Neurological disorders affect millions of Americans and many more around the world. Their effects can range from mild to moderate to debilitation, eroding independence and quality of life. Disorders like epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease and multiple sclerosis are currently being treated with traditional pharmacological agents, but each comes with limitations and possible side effects. The need to find an alternative therapeutic that is safe, with few to no side effects and is all-natural has led researchers to the potential benefits of CBD for many health conditions, including neurological disorders.
The Negative Consequences of Neurological Disorders
Instead of going into specific neurological disorders, it’s important to be aware of the multitude of co-occurring issues and problems that are commonly associated with them. Most neurological conditions are coupled with the following issues:
- Pain
- Seizures
- Movement difficulties
- Mood disturbances
- Cognitive impairments
- Disability
- Diminished activities of daily living social isolation
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Financial burden associated with treatments and care
This is a short list. The human pain and suffering associated with neurological disorders is far more expansive and affects not only the person diagnosed, but their family, friends, colleagues and community network. It’s because of these experiences and the burdensome diagnoses themselves, that researchers around the world are looking at the therapeutic potential for natural healing and more effective symptom management.
How CBD Works within and Outside of the Endocannabinoid System
The body has a natural cannabinoid system called the endocannabinoid system. This is one of the central nervous system’s pharmacologic targets that is involved in CBD’s role in neurological disorders. This system consists of CB1 and CB2 receptors as well and anandamide and 2AG ligands. CBD interacts with these receptors and ligands within the endocannabinoid system as well as non-cannabinoid receptors including G protein-coupled receptors, transient protein channels, serotonin receptors and many more to achieve numerous health outcomes and management of symptoms.
Research Results
CBD has been shown in numerous studies around the globe to help people diagnosed with a variety of neurological disorders. Some studies show that CBD has the ability to help people living with Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease with symptoms including motor impairment, cognitive decline and neuroinflammation. CBD has also been shown to reduce neuropathic pain and anxiety. It has anti seizure effects on people diagnosed with seizure disorders. Some studies report CBD’s ability to reduce brain damage and inflammation in conditions like traumatic brain injury (TBI) and multiple sclerosis. The antioxidant properties of CBD may be effective in prevention of or treatment for various cancer conditions. It may also exert powerful health effects for the following conditions:
- Migraines
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Schizophrenia
- Spinal cord injury
- Dravet’s syndrome
- Lennox-Gastaut’s syndrome
- Sturge-Weber’s syndrome
This is another short list. The amount of conditions which may be better managed with CBD is fairly long. And, research will undoubtedly reveal more results of CBD’s ability to help various physical, mental, and neurological/neurodegenerative conditions in the near future.
Final Thoughts on CBD and Neurological Disorders
Some of the worst health conditions that cause human suffering and emotional distress are neurological disorders. Beyond the heavy diagnosis itself, co-occurring conditions like anxiety, depression, cognitive decline and dependence chip away at the individual’s autonomy and quality of life. While there are traditional prescription drugs that might help, most come with limited efficiency and possible side-effects. With more human, in vitro and animal studies, it is hoped that CBD will become a viable, all-natural, plant-based alternative or add-on treatment for people living with neurological disorders.