Marijuana and Cerebral Palsy

How MMJ Health can help Cerebral Palsy Patients

What is Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a group of disorders that affect a person’s ability to move and maintain balance and posture in different parts of the body. It is the most common motor disability among children and many have co-existing conditions. Depending on how the condition is managed, motor skills can improve or decline over time. Doctors classify cerebral palsy according to the type of movement disorder involved.

What causes Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral Palsy is caused by abnormal brain development or damage to the developing brain that affects the ability to control muscles. It can occur when there is neurological damage before, during, or within five years of birth. Common causes of brain injuries that lead to CP:

Bacterial and viral infections (Meningitis, etc.)
Hemorrhaging
A lack of oxygen to the brain before, during, or after birth (Asphyxia)
Prenatal exposure to drugs and alcohol
Mercury poisoning from fish
Toxoplasmosis from raw, undercooked meat
Head injuries sustained during birth up to five years of age
Severe jaundice

Additional risk factors for developing CP:

Abnormal delivery
Maternal diabetes
Maternal Preeclampsia
Poor maternal health
Premature birth coupled with complications
Low birth weight
Severe jaundice

However, not every case of CP has a diagnosable explanation. There is no known cure for cerebral palsy, but there are many treatments that can help those affected live a full life with the disorder.

Different Types of Cerebral Palsy

There are 4 types of cerebral palsy. Depending on which areas of the brain are affected one or more of the following movement disorders can present in cerebral palsy patients.

What causes Cerebral Palsy?

The most common type of cerebral palsy, spastic cerebral palsy affects approximately 80% of people that have the disorder. This causes an increase in muscular tone that results in stiffened muscles and causes awkward movements.

Spastic diplegia/diparesis: Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. It occurs when the cartilage wears away and bone rubs against bone, causing pain swelling, and stiffness.
Spastic hemiplegia/hemiparesis: This type of CP causes only one side of the body to be affected and usually, the arm is more affected than the leg.
Spastic quadriplegia/quadriparesis: This is the most severe type of spastic CP because it affects all four limbs, the trunk, and the face of the person with CP. Usually, those with this type of CP cannot walk and are seen to have other developmental disabilities, seizures, and hearing, vision, and speech problems.
Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy: Those who have dyskinetic cerebral palsy have problems controlling movement in their hands, arms, feet, and legs. They have difficulty sitting and walking, due to uncontrollable movements that may be slow and writhing or rapid and jerky. People who have this type of CP may also have their face and tongue affected and have difficulty talking and swallowing. Their muscle tone can change at a moment’s notice from too tight to too loose.

Also includes:

Ataxic Cerebral Palsy: Those who suffer from ataxic cerebral palsy have balance and coordination problems. Ranging from unsteadiness while walking to trouble with quick movements or movements that need a lot of control. The hands and arms are particularly hard to control when reaching for something.
Mixed Cerebral Palsy: Some patients may experience symptoms or more than one type of cerebral palsy. Though, the most common form of mixed cerebral palsy is spastic-dyskinetic.

What are the early warning signs of Cerebral Palsy?

There are normally early signs of cerebral palsy, but they can vary greatly due to the many types and different severity of symptoms. The main early warning sign that a child could have cerebral palsy are delays in reaching motor or movement milestones as an infant.

Signs of Cerebral Palsy:

Problems with movement on one side of the body
Seizures
Developmental delays
Incontinence
Involuntary movements, tremors
Contractures (shortening of muscles)
Drooling
Floppy or stiff muscles
Dysarthria (difficulty with speech)
Problems swallowing or sucking
Jerky reflexes
Gastrointestinal problems

If you suffer from cerebral palsy or notice any of these symptoms, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor.

Symptoms of Cerebral Palsy

Symptoms of CP can vary from person to person. A severe case of cerebral palsy may cause some to have to use special equipment to be able to walk or may lose the ability to walk altogether. Whereas, a mild case of cerebral palsy might present as an awkward gait and not require any special assistance. Cerebral palsy does not get worse with time, though the symptoms may change over the course of a person’s life.

While all patients with CP will have problems with movement and posture, symptoms and related conditions can also include:

Intellectual disability
Stiff muscles
Epilepsy
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Chronic Pain
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Dysphagia
Poor balance and coordinatio
Seizures

Vision, hearing, and speech problems
Changes in the spine
Scoliosis
Joint problems
Post-impairment syndrome
Premature aging
Anxiety
Depression

Diagnosing Cerebral Palsy

Usually, cerebral palsy is diagnosed between 18 months and 5 years of age. Parents are the first to notice developmental delays that could indicate CP. But everyone develops at their own pace, so it may take time to get a concrete diagnosis of cerebral palsy as doctors often hesitate to make it until further observation.

Doctors may use different imaging technology to confirm and properly diagnose cerebral palsy like:

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Computed Tomography (CT)
Electroencephalogram (EEG)
Cranial Ultrasound
Post-impairment syndrome
Premature aging
Anxiety
Depression

Or they may also refer patients to a specialist for observational analysis and further testing.

Please see a licensed doctor in order to properly diagnose children or be diagnosed with cerebral palsy. MMJ Health has professional and knowledgeable Medical Marijuana Specialists that can create a treatment plan that works for your lifestyle.

Best Terpenes for Cerebral Palsy

Some terpenes may have anti-inflammatory or analgesic properties that could potentially benefit people with Cerebral Palsy. Here are some of the best ones:

Pinene

has anti-inflammatory properties and may also improve cognitive function, which may be beneficial for those with cerebral palsy.

Limonene

has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that may help reduce inflammation and pain associated with cerebral palsy.

Linalool

has sedative and anti-inflammatory properties that may help manage symptoms of cerebral palsy, such as muscle spasticity and pain.

Myrcene

has sedative and muscle-relaxing effects that may help with muscle spasticity associated with cerebral palsy.

Caryophyllene

has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties that may help manage symptoms of cerebral palsy.

Terpinolene

are known to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties may be helpful for managing pain and inflammation associated with cerebral palsy.

Eucalyptol

has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties may be helpful for managing pain and inflammation associated with cerebral palsy.

Best Strains for Cerebral Palsy

Some cannabis strains have shown potential for managing symptoms of CP, such as spasticity and pain. Here are some of the best cannabis strains for Cerebral Palsy:

Blue Dream

This strain has a high THC content and may help with pain relief and relaxation, which can be beneficial for people with CP who experience muscle stiffness and spasms.

Blueberry

Its potential benefits lie in its ability to relax muscles, reduce pain and potentially improve sleep and mood.

Best Online Tools for Cerebral Palsy

Here are some online tools that can be useful for individuals with cerebral palsy:

MyChild at CerebralPalsy.org: an online resource center that provides information about cerebral palsy, including treatment options, therapies, and community support.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: provides information on cerebral palsy, treatment options, and ongoing research.
United Cerebral Palsy Association: offers resources, support, and advocacy for individuals with cerebral palsy and their families.
Cerebral Palsy Group: provides information on cerebral palsy, legal resources, and financial assistance programs.
American Academy for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine: offers resources for healthcare providers and individuals with cerebral palsy, including treatment options and research updates.
Disability.gov: an online resource center that provides information on disability-related topics, including cerebral palsy.

Mytherapyapp: a mobile app that offers exercises, rehabilitation, and therapy programs for individuals with cerebral palsy.
Talkspace: an online therapy platform that offers counseling services for individuals with cerebral palsy who may experience emotional or mental health issues.
AbilityNet: offers technology support and advice for individuals with cerebral palsy who may require assistive technology devices to enhance their independence and quality of life.

What can a Florida Medical Marijuana clinic do for Cerebral Palsy?

Research regarding the use of medical cannabis as a treatment for cerebral palsy symptoms is limited, but findings may suggest that it can offer benefits for pain management, reduction of spastic movements, tremors and seizures, and possibly much more.

In a 2011 pain treatment study, patients diagnosed with CP tested different types of treatment to manage their symptoms. According to the paper, the treatment rated highest in relieving pain was medical marijuana. In addition, the few studies completed on the use of medical marijuana for spastic quadriplegia show promising indications that it may offer numerous benefits including helping control the spastic movements those with cerebral palsy struggle with.

Under Amendment 2, cerebral palsy may be a qualifying condition for a medical marijuana card in Florida.

If you or a loved one is living with Cerebral Palsy and is interested in exploring medical marijuana as a treatment option, book an appointment with MMJ Health today. Our experienced physicians will guide you through the process and provide you with a personalized treatment plan to help manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.