Clinical efficacy of medical cannabis for neuropathic pain: A cross-sectional study

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Created On: 15/02/2024

This study endeavored to explore the clinical effectiveness of medical cannabis in alleviating neuropathic pain and its impact on the quality of life in affected people.

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Key take away

Medical cannabis benefitted 48.4% of neuropathic pain patients, showing at least 30.0% pain score reduction, with notable improvements in quality of life, particularly sleep.

Background

This study endeavored to explore the clinical effectiveness of medical cannabis in alleviating neuropathic pain and its impact on the quality of life in affected people.

Method

Conducted as a cross-sectional study, this research focused on non-palliative care patients experiencing neuropathic pain and undergoing therapy with medical cannabis. Information regarding pain scores, baseline features, quality of life, and noxious effects was gathered from the hospital's outpatient information system and via telephone interviews. The study involved an analysis of efficacy before and after the administration of medical cannabis.

Result

Of the 64 neuropathic pain patients treated with medical cannabis (with tetrahydrocannabinol [THC] enrichment at 85.9%), 48.4% experienced a noteworthy decrease of at least 30.0% in pain scores, while 26.5% achieved a reduction of at least 50%. Notably, patients exhibited remarkable enhancements in all facets of quality of life, particularly in the realm of sleep. Additionally, 46.9% reported common adverse effects, notably palpitations and dizziness, while 9.4% reported these side effects intolerable, necessitating discontinuation of medical cannabis use.

Conclusion

A substantial proportion of non-palliative patients suffering from neuropathic pain derived benefits from medical cannabis, achieving clinically significant drop in pain and notable improvements in quality of life, especially concerning sleep. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that approximately half of these individuals experienced common side effects associated with medical cannabis use.