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Treatment of Human Spasticity with Δ 9 ‐Tetrahydrocannabinol
Author(s) -
PETRO DENIS J.,
ELLENBERGER CARL
Publication year - 1981
Publication title -
the journal of clinical pharmacology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.92
H-Index - 116
eISSN - 1552-4604
pISSN - 0091-2700
DOI - 10.1002/j.1552-4604.1981.tb02621.x
Subject(s) - spasticity , muscle tone , medicine , placebo , anesthesia , spastic , spinal cord , tetrahydrocannabinol , clonus , reflex , multiple sclerosis , stroke (engine) , delta 9 tetrahydrocannabinol , baclofen , cerebral palsy , central nervous system disease , clinical trial , tonic (physiology) , neurological disorder , physical therapy , physical medicine and rehabilitation , cannabinoid , epilepsy , pathology , mechanical engineering , alternative medicine , receptor , engineering , psychiatry , agonist
Spasticity is a common neurologic condition in patients with multiple sclerosis, stroke, cerebral palsy or an injured spinal cord. Animal studies suggest that THC has an inhibitory effect on polysynaptic reflexes. Some spastic patients claim improvement after inhaling cannabis. We tested muscle tone, reflexes, strength and performed EMGs before and after double‐blinded oral administration of either 10 or 5 mg THC or placebo. The blinded examiner correctly identified the trials in which the patients received THC in seven of nine cases. For the group, 10 mg THC significantly reduced spasticity by clinical measurement ( P < 0.01). Quadriceps EMG interference pattern was reduced in those four patients with primarily extensor spasticity. THC was administered to eight other patients with spasticity and other CNS lesions. Responses varied, but benefit was seen in three of three patients with “tonic spasms.” No benefit was noted in patients with cerebellar disease.