TITLE

Cannabinoids did not reduce muscle spasticity in stable multiple sclerosis: COMMENTARY

AUTHOR(S)

Weinshenker, Brian G.

PUB. DATE

May 2004

SOURCE

ACP Journal Club;May/Jun2004, Vol. 140 Issue 3, p69

SOURCE TYPE

Academic Journal

DOC. TYPE

Article

ABSTRACT

It has been suggested that marijuana has a beneficial effect on various MS-related symptoms, including spasticity, pain, and tremor. A survey in Canada, reported that 43% of 420 responders to a survey, had tried marijuana, 16% for medicinal purposes. The study is larger and, hence, more powerful than the previous studies of cannabinoids in MS. Patients in this trial were using other antispasticity drugs and physical therapy treatments, albeit at a stable dose or regimen. The study did not attempt to address the effectiveness of cannabinoids relative to conventional antispasticity drugs. Blinding was successful for the assessor but not for the treating neurologist or patients. No effect on the primary spasticity outcome, the Ashworth score, was observed.

ACCESSION #

13221840

 

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