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From auto crashes to sports injuries, traumatic brain injuries (TBI’s) occur roughly 2.5 million times each year and those who suffer range from infants to elderly with about 50,000 of these resulting in devastating deaths. An external force, a bump, a jolt, a bullet and even forceful shaking can cause severe injuries to the brain; when the body is shaken or hit hard enough it causes the brain to slam into the skull. Let’s delve into the question, is cannabis a treatment for traumatic brain injury?
The incidences within the youthful population are often the result of playing sports or doing recreational activities. The most common activities that result in an ER visit are bicycling and contact sports, such as football, playground activities, basketball and soccer. While soldiers are not immune; when sent to battle, it’s probable that 11-23% will suffer a TBI.
“Diseases with complex, multifaceted pathology, such as TBI, may require treatment that is multi-mechanistic, such as whole plant cannabis extracts.” Studies around the world are providing positive evidence that cannabinoids are neuroprotective and can lower symptom burden of TBI. These studies indicate that medical marijuana can help patients alleviate migraines, gain focus and improve their quality of life.
“Current research points towards cannabinoids serving as a neuroprotectant, and clinical trials are looking at CBD alone and CBD+THC for concussions. Findings also indicate that CBD and THC may be effective for pain management, anxiety, and insomnia, all of which are common symptoms of concussions and persistent post-concussive symptoms.”
In the military, the leading causes of TBI are bullet wounds, shrapnel, blasts and assaults. Sadly, “mild” TBI (mTBI) has been named the ‘signature injury’ of the Iraq and Afghanistan war zones. The Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center (DVBIC) report nearly 350,000 incident diagnoses of TBI in the U.S. military since 2000.
“Shock waves from roadside bombs can ripple through soldiers’ brains, causing damage that sometimes leaves no visible scars but may cause lasting mental and physical harm.” Some of these veterans turn to medical marijuana to assist in the associated health problems that stem from mTBI. “
Self-reported reasons for cannabis use in this cohort included mTBI-associated neuropsychiatric symptoms, sleep disturbances, and pain for which standard treatments (both pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic) provided insufficient relief and/or produced treatment-limiting adverse events.”
As with many life-altering illness and injury, depression soon follows. Some other complications of TBI include:
Medical marijuana is being studied more frequently for its broad range of health benefits and as complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) that fills in the gaps when pharmaceuticals fail.
In fact, “a phase II clinical trial in severe TBI patients demonstrated a significant reduction in intracranial pressure and improved neurological functioning following synthetic cannabidiol (CBD) treatment.” Additionally, “methods of medical cannabis ingestion included daily smoking, vaping and oral consumption, and included a combination of products with differing ratios of THC to CBD…(patients) self-reported improvements in mental health, sleep, and reduction of polypharmacy.”
Work related injuries are common across the globe and being in the health care industry, leaves employees subject to rare and uncommon incidents, such as the event that Nikki Lawley incurred while practicing as a pediatric nurse.
After her journey from a TBI that led to suicidal depression, Nikki Lawley is speaking out and spreading the word, as medical marijuana was the life-saving element she needed not only to survive, but later to thrive. She attests that cannabis saved her life, “and gave back a quality of life…cannabis is my medicine and my hope is that others don’t have to suffer to the point I did … cannabis should be offered as a treatment for TBI/concussion symptoms.“ Her website, Nikki and the Plant, “was created as a platform to reach others who are suffering from traumatic brain injury or invisible illnesses.”
Nikki is also a member of practicing nurses who have access to specialty immersives and education programs through the Cannabis Nurses Network, where, “cannabis nurses are supported in gaining knowledge, experience, and confidence. Knowledgeable nurses who have understanding of the Endocannabinoid System and Cannabinoid Therapeutics are making major impacts within the healthcare/legal systems and wellness/cannabis industries worldwide.”
Be Pain Free Global Is A Recognized Leader In The Medical Cannabis Space. If you would like to learn more about Be Pain Free Global, how to get your medical recommendation, or how to join our collective, you can reach out to us via the chat button on our website, or call us at 1-888-420-3848.
