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References on Multiple Sclerosis and Marijuana

AU - Petro DJ

AU - Ellenberger C Jr

TI - Treatment of human spasticity with delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol.

AB - Spasticity is a common neurologic condition in patients with multiple sclerosis, stroke, cerebral palsy or an injured spinal cord. Animal studies suggest that THC has an inhibitory effect on polysynaptic reflexes. Some spastic patients claim improvement after inhaling cannabis. We tested muscle tone, reflexes, strength and performed EMGs before and after double-blinded oral administration of either 10 or 5 mg THC or placebo. The blinded examiner correctly identified the trials in which the patients received THC in seven of nine cases. For the group, 10 mg THC significantly reduced spasticity by clinical measurement (P less than 0.01). Quadriceps EMG interference pattern was reduced in those four patients with primarily extensor spasticity. THC was administered to eight other patients with spasticity and other CNS lesions. Responses varied, but benefit was seen in three of three patients with "tonic spasms." No benefit was noted in patients with cerebellar disease.

SO - J Clin Pharmacol 1981 Aug-Sep;21(8-9 Suppl):413S-416S

DP - 1981 Aug-Sep

TA - J Clin Pharmacol

PG - 413S-416S

IP - 8-9 Suppl

VI - 21

IS - 0091-2700

UI - 82053565

AU - Ungerleider JT

AU - Andyrsiak T

AU - Fairbanks L

AU - Ellison GW

AU - Myers LW

TI - Delta-9-THC in the treatment of spasticity associated with multiple sclerosis.

AB - Marijuana is reported to decrease spasticity in patients with multiple sclerosis. This is a double blind, placebo controlled, crossover clinical trial of delta-9-THC in 13 subjects with clinical multiple sclerosis and spasticity. Subjects received escalating doses of THC in the range of 2.5-15 mg., five days of THC and five days of placebo in randomized order, divided by a two-day washout period.

Subjective ratings of spasticity and side effects were completed and semiquantitative neurological examinations were performed. At doses greater than 7.5 mg there was significant improvement in patient ratings of spasticity compared to placebo. These positive findings in a treatment failure population suggest a role for THC in the treatment of spasticity in multiple sclerosis.

AD - Department of Psychiatry

AD - U.C.L.A. School of Medicine 90024.

SO - Adv Alcohol Subst Abuse 1987;7(1):39-50

DP - 1987

TA - Adv Alcohol Subst Abuse

PG - 39-50

IP - 1

VI - 7

IS - 0270-3106

UI - 88160795

3

AU - Clifford DB

TI - Tetrahydrocannabinol for tremor in multiple sclerosis.

AB - Based on one patient's enthusiastic report, eight patients with multiple sclerosis, seriously disabled with tremor and ataxia, were given oral tetrahydrocannabinol. Two demonstrated improved motor coordination.

SO - Ann Neurol 1983 Jun;13(6):669-71

DP - 1983 Jun

TA - Ann Neurol

PG - 669-71

IP - 6

VI - 13

UI - 83281524


 

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