Cannabis and MS Flashcards
What is the pathophysiology of MS?
Multifocal white and grey matter lesions alongside the loss of oligodendrocytes
When does MS usually develop?
20-40 years of age
What are the symptoms of MS?
Pain, spasms, tremor, incontinence, cognitive deficits, movement deficits. Due to conduction block, demyelination and loss of axons/neurones and synaptic plasticity
How may cannabinoids be used in the treatment of MS?
Cannabinoids induce hyperpolarisation which limits the capacity of cells to generate actions potentials, so prevents spasticity due to over-excitation or lack of neural inhibition
How may baclofen be used in the treatment of MS?
A GABA-b agonist to encourage inhibition –> treatment of tremor and spasticity