Medical Marijuana and Head Trauma
A concussion can be very dangerous but is common for athletes competing in physical sports. Even adults not in contact sports can potentially get a concussion from a fall, car accident, or work-related injury. The standard method of treating these types of injuries is effective, but the time for recovery has made many seek different options. One of these newer options has been medical marijuana. Medical marijuana has been known to help treat pain, nausea, and even headaches. Continue reading as we explore the current information on the connection between medical marijuana and head trauma.
What Is A Concussion?
A concussion is a traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by impact on the brain inside the skull. It can often lead to internal bleeding in some cases. This can happen when the head is violently hit, bumped, or jostled, as in a fall, car accident, or sports-related injury.
The severity of a concussion depends on the amount of damage done. A severe concussion can take up to 2-4 weeks of recovery and further evaluation to get back to a normal state where you are functioning physically and cognitively. Common symptoms of a concussion include:
Headache or pressure in the head
Confusion or feeling dazed
Nausea or vomiting
Dizziness or balance problems
Blurred vision or sensitivity to light
Memory loss or difficulty concentrating
Mood changes, such as irritability or depression
Sleep disturbances
While most people recover from a concussion with rest and time, you should seek medical attention if you suspect you have one. In rare cases, the trauma can cause more serious complications, resulting in permanent damage.
Does marijuana help after concussions?
There are different phases to a brain injury. The first is the initial damage done to the brain and the tissue. After this damage takes place, the inflammatory process begins. This step is unique in that the brain and nervous system start to show signs of swelling. This is called neuroinflammation. Minimizing the effects of the second phase of injury helps reduce recovery time and ensure you are back healthy.
The blood-brain barrier is a membrane between the brain and its blood supply. This allows certain substances to pass while stopping others. After a brain injury, the blood-brain barrier weakens. Mild traumatic brain injury accounts for 70-90% of all reported TBI cases, affecting 10-40% of patients with long-term neurological consequences. Recent clinical studies have found that mTBI patients have increased blood-brain barrier permeability, coinciding with secondary damage after mTBI. Increased inflammation can also make this membrane weaker.
Now that we know some of the inner mechanisms involved, we can figure out how cannabis fits in. The compounds in marijuana have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, which can aid in preventing inflammation in the head and nervous system.
Marijuana may potentially help protect against much of the damage caused by concussions, as well as alleviate psychiatric symptoms that arise after a concussion. However, its effectiveness has not been proven, so caution is warranted.
Medical marijuana and CTE?
Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) is a degenerative brain disease. In CTE, abnormal proteins called tau accumulate in the brain. Degeneration of brain tissue can result in confusion, memory loss, depression, and aggression.
Symptoms of CTE can take years or even decades to develop and may not become apparent until long after the individual first got hurt. Diagnosis of CTE can only be made well after the damage is done. However, researchers are working to develop biomarkers and imaging techniques that may one day enable earlier detection.
Prevention of CTE involves:
Reducing the risk of head trauma, wearing appropriate protective gear.
Avoiding unnecessary exposure to head impacts.
Changing rules to reduce the likelihood of head injuries in contact sports.
THC and CBD interact with the body's endocannabinoid system. The ECS maintains that physiological processes include mood, memory, cognition, sleep, and hunger. Medical marijuana may relieve common CTE symptoms, including aggression, anger, and irritability. Recent information has shown that these compounds could also change how we treat neurological problems, making future effective interventional and preventive treatments possible.
What's the longest post-concussion syndrome can last?
Headaches, dizziness, and changes in behavior are just some of the symptoms of post-concussion syndrome (PCS). PCS is a condition that can develop after a concussion. Depending on the person, recovery from PCS can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. PCS can last for several years in some cases.
There is a lack of knowledge about the factors that extend PCS time. The extent of the initial injury, existing medical conditions, and individual differences are all factors to consider.
What helps your brain heal after a concussion?
After a concussion, allowing the brain time to rest and recover is important. The following tips may help facilitate healing:
Rest: Avoid physical or mental exertion, and limit electronic devices and television use.
Hydration: Drink plenty of fluids, as dehydration can exacerbate concussion symptoms.
Nutrition: Eat a healthy, balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Avoid alcohol and drugs: Avoid alcohol and recreational drugs, which can slow down the healing process.
Follow medical advice: Follow your doctor's or healthcare provider's medical advice, including taking any prescribed medication.
Slow return to activities: Gradually return to work, school, and exercise, as directed by your doctor.
Cognitive and physical rest: Allow time for mental and physical rest, but engage in stimulating and enjoyable activities, as long as they do not exacerbate symptoms.
You should remember that not every head injury is the same, and recovery time can vary depending on the severity of the injury and individual factors.
The Bottom Line
Much is still unknown about how medical marijuana can help treat head trauma. What we do know is that, in some cases, medical marijuana can help treat symptoms like nausea or headaches. The potential for medical marijuana to play a more significant role in treating concussions is there. We know that the ECS, CBD, and THC interact to produce some positive outcomes, but the psychoactive properties of THC might be a cause for concern. The anti-inflammatory properties of MMJ can also play a role in inflammation in the head. As more information comes out on marijuana, seeing its potential in treating many issues will be interesting. Book an appointment today for more information on how MMJ can help treat your condition.
