Tiffany J Braley1, Daniel Whibley2, Kevin N Alschuler3, Dawn M Ehde4, Ronald D Chervin5, Daniel J Clauw3, David Williams6, Anna L Kratz3. 1. Department of Neurology, Division of Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA. 2. Epidemiology Group, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Scotland, UK. 3. Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA. 4. Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA. 5. Department of Neurology, Division of Sleep Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA. 6. Department of Anesthesiology, Chronic Pain & Fatigue Research Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Up-to-date information regarding the scope and impact of cannabinoid use among persons with MS (PwMS) is necessary to guide clinical practice and cannabinoid research. OBJECTIVES: To assess utilization patterns and perceived impact of cannabinoid use among a national cohort of PwMS. METHODS: Data collected were part of a nationwide survey to characterize pain in PwMS. Items included questions about current/recent cannabinoid use, reasons for use, preferred THC/CBD formulations, and perceived benefits/side effects. PROMIS short-forms assessed symptom severity. Pain phenotype was assessed with the painDETECT questionnaire and FMSurvey Criteria Questionnaires. RESULTS: Among n = 1,027 respondents, 42% endorsed recent cannabinoid use, of which 18% endorsed healthcare provider guidance regarding use. PROMIS scores (except cognitive abilities), and pain centralization and neuropathic pain scores, were higher among recent/current users (each p < 0.0001). Sleep and pain were the most frequently reported reasons for use. Benefit from cannabinoids for sleep and pain were strongly correlated (r = 0.65, p < 0.0001). For those who expressed a preference for specific THC/CBD ratios, CBD-predominant formulations were favored. CONCLUSION: Cannabinoid use is common in PwMS, despite a paucity of provider guidance. The range of perceived benefits, and potential differential effects of THC and CBD, highlight the need for personalized, evidence-based guidelines regarding cannabinoid use.
BACKGROUND: Up-to-date information regarding the scope and impact of cannabinoid use among persons with MS (PwMS) is necessary to guide clinical practice and cannabinoid research. OBJECTIVES: To assess utilization patterns and perceived impact of cannabinoid use among a national cohort of PwMS. METHODS: Data collected were part of a nationwide survey to characterize pain in PwMS. Items included questions about current/recent cannabinoid use, reasons for use, preferred THC/CBD formulations, and perceived benefits/side effects. PROMIS short-forms assessed symptom severity. Pain phenotype was assessed with the painDETECT questionnaire and FMSurvey Criteria Questionnaires. RESULTS: Among n = 1,027 respondents, 42% endorsed recent cannabinoid use, of which 18% endorsed healthcare provider guidance regarding use. PROMIS scores (except cognitive abilities), and pain centralization and neuropathic pain scores, were higher among recent/current users (each p < 0.0001). Sleep and pain were the most frequently reported reasons for use. Benefit from cannabinoids for sleep and pain were strongly correlated (r = 0.65, p < 0.0001). For those who expressed a preference for specific THC/CBD ratios, CBD-predominant formulations were favored. CONCLUSION: Cannabinoid use is common in PwMS, despite a paucity of provider guidance. The range of perceived benefits, and potential differential effects of THC and CBD, highlight the need for personalized, evidence-based guidelines regarding cannabinoid use.
Authors: Dagmar Amtmann; Karon F Cook; Mark P Jensen; Wen-Hung Chen; Seung Choi; Dennis Revicki; David Cella; Nan Rothrock; Francis Keefe; Leigh Callahan; Jin-Shei Lai Journal: Pain Date: 2010-07 Impact factor: 6.961
Authors: Sheila Gupta; Kelly Fellows; Bianca Weinstock-Guttman; Jesper Hagemeier; Robert Zivadinov; Murali Ramanathan Journal: Int J MS Care Date: 2019 Mar-Apr
Authors: Amber Salter; Robert J Fox; Gary Cutter; Ruth Ann Marrie; Kate E Nichol; Joshua R Steinerman; Karry M J Smith Journal: Int J MS Care Date: 2021-12-29
Authors: Amber Salter; Gary Cutter; Ruth Ann Marrie; Kathryn Nichol; Joshua R Steinerman; Karry M J Smith; Robert J Fox Journal: Neurol Clin Pract Date: 2022-04