Study register · detail
Cannabinoids in the management of spasticity associated with multiple sclerosis
No direction reported
SampleNarrative Review
ControlPlacebo
DesignNarrative Review
Routeoral
Summary
Narrative review on cannabinoids in MS spasticity: growing evidence for positive effects of cannabinoids on MS symptoms including spasticity and pain. Discusses findings from the EAE mouse model (Experimental Allergic Encephalomyelitis) and current clinical studies; long-term studies required to establish a role beyond mere symptom relief.
P
PopulationAdults with stable multiple sclerosis and muscle spasticity, n=630
I
InterventionOral cannabis extract (n=211) or Δ9-THC (n=206), over 15 weeks
C
ControlPlacebo (n=213)
O
OutcomeAshworth score (primary) without significant change; patient-reported spasticity and pain significantly improved (p=0.003), 61% (cannabis extract) vs. 46% (placebo) reported improvement
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Abstract
The endocannabinoid system and cannabinoid-based treatments have been involved in a wide number of diseases. In particular, several studies suggest that cannabinoids and endocannabinoids may have a key role in the pathogenesis and therapy of multiple sclerosis (MS). In this study we highlight the main findings reported in literature about the relevance of cannabinoid drugs in the management and treatment of MS. An increasing body of evidence suggests that cannabinoids have beneficial effects on the symptoms of MS, including spasticity and pain. In this report we focus on the effects of cannabinoids in the relief of spasticity describing the main findings in vivo, in the mouse experimental allergic encephalomyelitis model of MS. We report on the current treatments used to control MS symptoms and the most recent clinical studies based on cannabinoid treatments, although long-term studies are required to establish whether cannabinoids may have a role beyond symptom amelioration in MS.
The impediment to action advances action.