CBD and Marijuana for Ataxia?

Ataxia is a group of movement disorders that causes motor difficulties. Ataxia has many forms, and all of them can affect important bodily functions such as balance and coordination. Unfortunately, there is no known treatment.

Some individuals have asked if medical marijuana or CBD oil can assist them in managing their ataxia. We’ll go through everything you need to know about utilizing cannabis for ataxia in this post. Continue reading to discover more.

What Is Ataxia?

Ataxia is a term that refers to a collection of symptoms affecting the cerebellum area of the brain. The cerebellum is important for maintaining balance, limb coordination, speech, and eye movement. Ataxia can also affect other elements of the nervous system, including the spinal cord and peripheral nerves.

Ataxia is a broad category of neurological disorders that affect the cerebellum region of the brain.

These tissues may be damaged and have a significant influence on a person’s life. Activities that used to be simple might become difficult, and in certain circumstances, longevity may be reduced.

However, there are a variety of different types of ataxia, each of which has its own set of symptoms.

Types of Ataxia

Ataxia may be classified into three main categories: hereditary, traumatic and degenerative.

Acquired ataxia:

Ataxia, or a lack of muscle coordination, may be caused by head injury, alcohol misuse, nutritional deficiencies, or other issues including multiple sclerosis (MS), stroke, or brain tumors.

Hereditary ataxia:

Ataxia is a hereditary disease that manifests itself as incontinence and neurological symptoms. Friedreich’s ataxia, ataxia-telangiectasia, and spinocerebellar ataxia are examples of common forms of hereditary ataxia (SCA).

Idiopathic late-onset cerebellar ataxia (ILOCA):

Progressive brain damage develops gradually over time for reasons unknown.

Ataxia Symptoms

Ataxia can manifest in a variety of ways, depending on the form. The most prevalent ataxia symptoms include difficulties with:

  • Balance and walking
  • Speaking
  • Swallowing
  • Writing
  • Eating
  • Eye movement

Ataxia (depending on the type) can be accompanied by a variety of different symptoms, including:

  • Muscle stiffness and cramps
  • Curvature of the spine
  • Incontinence
  • Heart problems
  • Reduced immunity
  • Diabetes
  • Peripheral neuropathy
  • Fatigue
  • Depression

In some situations, these symptoms may persist for many years. They, however, become more severe over time in most people.

Traditional Ataxia Treatments (Not Marijuana or CBD)

Ataxia has no treatment, therefore therapies are aimed at assisting patients in their regular activities. Medication can be given to relieve certain symptoms, such as muscular stiffness or constipation.

Some other therapies which may help include:

  • Speech and language therapy
  • Physical therapy
  • Occupational therapy

With so few alternatives available, more and more individuals are asking if cannabis or CBD oil can help with ataxia. There isn’t a lot of information on the topic right now. Here’s what we know so far.

Does Cannabis Help Ataxia?

There are no completed clinical trials on cannabis for ataxia right now. However, case studies suggest that it might aid the treatment of this neurological disease.

For example, one patient reported that cannabis smoking reduced symptoms. According to the authors of this case study, cannabis has the potential to have “significant benefits” for ataxia and spasticity.

The study, which was done in the United States, assessed the effects of oral THC on eight people with MS who had tremor and ataxia. After therapy, two of the patients showed enhanced motor coordination.

As a result, it appears that cannabis has the potential to help with ataxia.

Ataxia and the Endocannabinoid System

Researchers have investigated the brains of mice and conducted post-mortem examinations on patients with SCA. Ataxia is linked to a malfunctioning endocannabinoid system in the cerebellum, according to the findings.

Cannabis contains a variety of active chemicals, including cannabinoids such as THC and CBD. The ECS’s receptors interact with these molecules to produce significant impacts on the body and brain.

Although both THC and CBD affect the ECS in different ways, there are significant differences between them. Is one more effective than the other for ataxia?

THC or CBD for Ataxia?

THC and CBD are the most well-known cannabinoids in cannabis. THC is primarily responsible for generating marijuana’s high. It also has a variety of medical uses, including as a pain reliever and an appetite stimulant.

CBD, on the other hand, has no intoxicating effects but is known to have a variety of health advantages. It has been found to have powerful anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective effects.

It has been used to help with a range of neurological problems, including epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis.

The effects of THC and CBD are different in part because they affect the ECS differently. THC binds to cannabinoid receptors directly, while CBD activates them indirectly by boosting levels of our natural endocannabinoids.

THC binds to cannabinoid receptors directly, whereas CBD works through them indirectly.

CBD has been found to inhibit the CB1 and CB2 receptors while still maintaining some activity. It also acts as a negative allosteric modulator at ECS receptors. What this implies is that it inhibits THC from interacting with these receptors as effectively and alleviates its unfavorable side effects. This information is particularly important when it comes to using THC and CBD for ataxia.

According to a 2016 article published in The Journal of Physiology, cannabinoids stimulate cannabinoid receptors, which may reduce motor coordination. This is one cause of why marijuana use can make people less coordinated. CBD and other compounds can help counteract overstimulation and potentially reverse these effects.

Ataxia is a neurological disease that causes weakness and coordination problems. As a result, combining THC and CBD might be the most effective treatment for ataxia. The THC may stimulate receptors sufficiently to help relieve symptoms, while CBD may decrease the risk of adverse effects. However, this is just speculation since there isn’t enough scientific evidence to back it up.

Patients who reside in a state with a medical marijuana law should have access to various cannabis strains with a 1:1 THC to CBD ratio. A doctor may give you Sativex if you do not live in a state that has approved medical marijuana use. This drug, which contains both THC and CBD, is classified as an MS therapy and is prescribed by doctors.

What is CBD oil?

CBD oil is a cannabis-derived product that’s extracted from the plant and combined with a carrier oil, such as coconut or hemp seed oil. Cannabidiol is abbreviated CBD. It’s the second most abundant active component in marijuana (after THC). Medical marijuana, which is produced directly from the hemp plant, has CBD as one of its essential components.

Cannabidiol, unlike THC, is not psychoactive and has no “high” effects. Although CBD is present in marijuana, it does not produce a “high” effect due to its lack of psychotropic properties. There are, however, certain minor CBD drawbacks, such as drowsiness, dizziness, or lightheadedness decreased blood pressure diarrhea , stomach upset and hunger fluctuations. It’s also worth noting that CBD has the capacity to interact with other medications, therefore I strongly advise consulting your doctor before taking CBD. To minimize the chance of unwanted CBD adverse effects, you should also avoid eating grapefruit or using any other grapefruit-based products.

What is ataxia? Can it be cured?

Ataxia is a neurological disease that robs people of muscle coordination and control over voluntary actions such as walking or picking things up. Ataxia may affect a wide range of activities and result in difficulties speaking, eye movement, and swallowing. The treatment for ataxia is determined by the underlying cause. Adaptive equipment, such as walkers or canes, might help you maintain your independence. Ataxia is a neurological disorder that can be caused by a variety of factors, including stroke, multiple sclerosis (MS), chronic cerebral hypoperfusion as a result of a head injury, epilepsy, and other conditions. Poor coordination; an unsteady gait that is prone to fall; difficulties with fine motor activities such as eating and buttoning a shirt are all indicators of ataxia.

A blow to the head, such as those sustained in a vehicle accident, might induce acute cerebellar ataxia, which appears suddenly and is characterized by loss of coordination; stroke: an obstruction or bleeding in the brain can cause ataxia; cerebral palsy, which is a catch-all term for several conditions caused by damage to a child’s brain throughout early development – before, during, or soon after birth – that impede his/her capacity to direct bodily activities. Ataxia is a neurological movement problem. Ataxia can also be caused by a variety of brain anomalies and poisonous drug reactions, as well as auto-immune disorders such as multiple sclerosis, sarcoidosis, and celiac disease. Chickenpox or other viral illnesses like HIV or Lyme disease can induce paraneoplastic syndromes; however, they are uncommon. Tumors, pharmaceutical side effects

Ataxia is incurable. At the time of this writing, there is no cure available. Medicines that help patients live a better quality of life while managing their symptoms are utilized to improve their quality of life and support them in maintaining self-sufficiency and independence as long as possible.

Does CBD oil help with ataxia?

Cannabis has antioxidant qualities that benefit the brain. When combined with other vitamins, cannabis can assist slow the advancement of Friedreich’s ataxia. Cannabis is commonly applied topically or ingested to treat a range of muscular disorders. Patients with Friedreich’s ataxia may use cannabis to relieve localized pain and stiff muscles, particularly in the spine. Cannabis has been scientifically proved to help with a variety of pains. For people suffering from spinocerebellar ataxia pain, cannabis may be a less harmful option than opioids. Neurotoxicity and diseases might be difficult to cure completely, but cannabis has been determined to have neuroprotective effects. It also inhibits inflammation and encourages the development of brain cells, which could assist those with ataxia in slowing its progress.

Inside CBD oil for movement disorders

Epilepsy has been linked to a variety of movement disorders. Facio-brachial dystonic seizures have been recorded in the literature on movement disorders and epilepsy. Myoclonic jerks may be identified as movement problems, possibly owing to epileptic origins. In truth, antiepILEPTIC medicines are used to treat a variety of movement impairments.There is also an overlap between epileptiform and movement disorders’ symptoms. CBD and THC have previously been studied in animals by scientists, as well as being studied presently in people. There is no evidence that these new therapies are effective for adult epilepsym owing to a lack of study on the matter. Based on some studies, CBD appears to help decrease seizure frequency in children with Dravet and Lennox Gastaut syndromes who took it.

Despite this, the American Epilepsy Society believes that a great deal more study is needed in this area and, while current knowledge is uncertain, it urges people with epilepsy to obtain expert advise on available treatment choices so they may make educated judgments regarding them. There’s a lot of enthusiasm among healthcare professionals about investigating these new potential therapies right now, and new CBD chemicals are being studied. Despite this fact, there are still a lot of questions that need to be answered. CBD has already been shown in youngsters, however additional research is needed to verify its efficacy and health advantages for people. That is why, before you begin using CBD, you should discuss it with your doctor to determine whether it will have any negative side effects on your health.

Is there any research around CBD and ataxia?

There is a lack of knowledge on this topic. According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, there is an increase in interest among physicians and neurologists for the therapeutic uses of marijuana (cannabis) and cannabinoid-based chemicals for neurological disorders. Endocannabinoids are natural chemicals that bind to cannabinoid receptors throughout the body. The scope of this subject is wide, and it includes studies in both humans and animals as well as clinical trials on people with Parkinson’s disease. We’ll look at basic science, preclinical, and clinical research on the therapeutic efficacy of cannabinoids in movement disorders.

CBD has also been found to aid with movement difficulties. CBD was effective in treating motor impairments, according to a 2016 study published in The Journal of Clinical Investigation, possibly via a peroxisome mechanism. CBD has been granted orphan drug status for the severe childhood epileptic Dravet syndrome and is now being studied.

CBD oil for ataxia: final verdict

Ataxia is a neurological disorder that results in loss of muscle coordination and control. In my opinion, CBD is an excellent nutritional supplement with numerous health advantages. Ataxia is a debilitating disease with several possible origins. Although CBD has many health advantages, it should not be used as the primary therapy for ataxia. If you’re unfamiliar with CBD, speak with your doctor before using it to avoid any harmful effects on your health. It has also been said that CBD interacts with a variety of medicines, so you should definitely consult with your doctor if you’re already on any other medicines. CBD cannot be used to treat such a complicated illness; nevertheless, it may aid in the management of ataxia by reducing pain and inflammation.

Now it’s your turn

Ataxia experienced improvement after taking CBD, please feel free to share your experience in the comments! That will undoubtedly be beneficial to others. The internet is a fantastic method to exchange ideas and experiences with other people. With this website, we want to provide a place where individuals may offer their knowledge and insights in order to help others. We want to provide an open debate board where everyone’s voice may be heard. Please let us know if you have any great CBD stories or experiences with how it helped you beat cellulite. It would be really appreciated if you did so. If you have any more queries about CBD after reading this book, please leave a note below and we will respond as soon as possible to clear everything up!

Final Thoughts

There is some evidence that cannabis and CBD can help with ataxia, although they may benefit certain patients. Interacting with the endocannabinoid system, these natural medicines might aid in the alleviation of symptoms such as muscular stiffness and mobility problems. However, study is still in its infancy.

It is critical to see a doctor before using CBD oil or marijuana for ataxia. It’s also crucial to do plenty of research before making a purchase and selecting the best product for you.

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