Marijuana neurological

Bolla, K.I. et al., Dose-related neurocognitive effects of marijuana use, Neurology, 59, 1337, 2002. 

The effects of zf9-THC (5 mg) on the neurological symptoms of spinal cord injury have been studied in one patient [142], Numerous treatments over several months resulted in reduction in subjectively-rated spasticity for periods over 12 h, in improvement of bladder control and pain as well as in the quality of mood and sleep. In contrast to the above reports, Greenberg et al. found no improvement in 10 MS patients who smoked marijuana on a single occasion [143]. Actually, an impairement of balance was noted. 

Several medical, medication-induced, or substance-related causes of mania and depression have been identified (see Table 68-2 for causes of mania and Table 67-1 in Chap. 67 on depressive disorders for causes of depression). " A complete medical, psychiatric, and medication history physical examination and laboratory testing are necessary to rule out any organic causes of mania or depression. An accurate diagnosis is important because some psychiatric and neurologic disorders present with manic-like symptoms. For example, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and a manic episode have similar characteristics thus individuals with bipolar disorder may be misdiagnosed and prescribed central nervous system stimulants. Use of any substance that affects the central nervous system (e.g., alcohol, antidepressants, caffeine, central nervous system stimulants, hallucinogens, or marijuana) can worsen symptoms and decrease the... 

It appears, then, that CBD may prove of significant benefit in the treatment of a variety of neurological dysfunctions, principally those involving seizure and movement disorders, and in this regard is superior to both marijuana and A -THC in both its selectivity of action and its absence of adverse side-effects. 

Patients are not the only ones claiming marijuana has medicinal value, however. Recent research has found that some of the cannabi-noids in marijuana have the capability to help protect nerves from further damage following trauma and neurological disease. And scientists contend that there is considerable evidence that using marijuana can also improve the limitations in joint movement and muscle function associated with multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injury. 

Key Words Cannabis marijuana dronabinol human smoked adverse events cardiovascular neurological cognition performance subjective effects. 

Neuropsychological procedures are used in an effort to provide an unbiased estimate of the individual s cognitive capacity. In neurology and psychiatry, these tests have been used to help clinicians to better diagnose patients and to provide them with better treatments. We chose to use a fixed battery in our effort to assess neurobehavioral changes that might be associated with the chronic use of marijuana. That battery included tests of language skills, visual and spatial memory, attention, concentration, executive function, visuo-constructive skills, manual dexterity, simple reaction time, and complex reaction time in subjects in our studies. The various tests used are listed below. 

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