Around 200,000 children are born with cerebral palsy annually in the United States and many will live into their 70s. While there is no cure for the condition, physical therapy, Botox injections, various medications like muscle relaxants and surgery can help manage symptoms and improve quality of living. According to some recent research, CBD is now being considered a viable treatment for people who have cerebral palsy.
Cerebral Palsy: A Quick Overview
Cerebral palsy is a group of neurological disorders that affect movement in various parts of the body. It disrupts physical development early in life and causes problems with body posture, muscle tone, gait or manner of walking, and coordination. The word cerebral refers to the cerebrum in the brain, which regulates motor movement. Palsy refers to the paralysis of voluntary movement in different parts of the body.
Different Types of Cerebral Palsy
Five variations of the disorder are known, including:
- Ataxic cerebral palsy
- Athetoid/dyskinetic cerebral palsy
- Hypotonic cerebral palsy
- Spastic cerebral palsy
- Mixed cerebral palsy
A common thread among these types of cerebral palsy is damage to certain areas of the brain including the cerebellum, basal ganglia, motor cortex or multiple areas of the brain. The damage then causes issues with motor control, movement, fluctuating muscle tone, poor mobility, and tight muscles.
Causes of Cerebral Palsy
While it might be difficult to pinpoint exactly what causes this condition, damage to the fetal or infant brain takes place due to a number of factors including:
- Lack of oxygen to the brain before, during or after birth
- Bleeding in the brain
- Bacterial and infections
- Prenatal exposure to drugs and alcohol
- Prenatal exposure to raw or undercooked meat or fish
- Head injuries during birth or first few years of infancy
- Medical negligence or failure to treat medical conditions
Physical and Neurological Symptoms
There are numerous symptoms associated with cerebral palsy. Some of the most common include muscular or movement problems including:
- Muscle stiffness and spasticity
- Shortening of muscles
- Exaggerated or jerky movements
- Poor muscle tone
- Involuntary movements
- Lack of coordination
- Problems with swallowing
Besides these issues with muscles and movements, people with cerebral palsy will also experience some of these neurological symptoms:
- Visual or hearing impairments
- Speech problems
- Delayed motor skill development
- Learning problems
- Behavioral issues
- Hydrocephalus
Other Conditions Associated with Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy, and many other neurological disorders, are oftentimes accompanied by other troubling conditions or comorbidities. Some studies find that up to 56% of people with cerebral palsy experience sleep deprivation caused by mobility issues and pain. They also have a high risk of developing epilepsy sometime in their life. Other comorbid conditions include osteoarthritis, hypertension and rheumatoid arthritis.
A number of people will also develop ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, chronic pain, intellectual disabilities and mental health disorders including anxiety and depression.
Can CBD Help Manage Symptoms Associated with Cerebral Palsy?
For some time now, researchers have studied the effects of CBD on the brain and body. They have a better understanding of how CBD acts as a “key” to unlock the body’s endocannabinoid system, thereby bringing balance and natural healing. Numerous studies have demonstrated CBD’s ability to reduce the number, frequency and severity of seizures in people with epilepsy and muscle spasticity and pain associated with multiple sclerosis. But, does CBD help with cerebral palsy?
Some Research Results
Since the enactment of the Farm Bill of 2018, more researchers have examined the effects of CBD for various conditions and symptoms associated with cerebral palsy and the results have been positive.
The areas of interest include cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 which are found throughout the body and brain. Very high concentrations of these receptors have been found in the basal ganglia and cerebellum, which are responsible for motor function.
The central nervous system is another area found to contain very high levels of CB1, which can help manage muscle spasms and tremors. Reducing these symptoms can relieve pain and discomfort.
CBD has been found to have many general health benefits including anti-inflammatory effects, muscle-relaxant qualities, and neuroprotection, all of which can help people live better lives with their condition.
CBD has positive effects for many of the mental and behavioral conditions associated with cerebral palsy including anxiety, depression, behavioral disturbances, and sleep difficulties.
Final Thoughts on CBD and Cerebral Palsy
While cerebral palsy is commonly thought of as a childhood disorder, most people with it will age into their 50s, 60s, and 70s. As they age, they may experience a multitude of painful physical, mental and neurological symptoms. Although traditional treatments like physical and occupational therapy, prescription drugs and surgery can help, CBD is being considered a viable treatment that can be used to reduce negative symptoms and increase one’s quality of life.