Medical Marijuana for Tourette Syndrome
Tourette’s syndrome is a nervous system disorder that first manifests during childhood or early adulthood. This disorder is characterized by uncontrollable repetitive movements or sounds known as “tics” (ie. motor and vocal tics), which commonly include blinking the eyes repetitively, shoulder shrugging, and blurting out words. These tics are usually unique to every individual and also range in complexity. For example, a tic could be a simple shoulder shrug or a series of frantic movements.
Recent small-scale research, alongside several anecdotal reports, has found that using medical marijuana might not only help suppress tics but also treat behavioral issues associated with Tourette’s.
Understanding Tourette’s Syndrome
Before discussing how cannabis may help relieve symptoms of Tourette’s, we must first understand how TS works. Although the causes of TS are unknown, most cases involve the interaction of multiple gene variations as well as environmental factors. Research also shows that people with Tourette syndrome share abnormalities in certain regions of the brain including the basal ganglia and frontal lobes. Neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine in these areas are responsible for transmitting impulses between the nerve cells.
It’s important to also understand that having a tic doesn’t necessarily mean you have Tourette syndrome. Sometimes tics can develop for other reasons such as medication, substances, or other medical conditions. These tics range in severity and may go away over time. To be diagnosed with Tourette’s, a person has to have both motor and vocal tics that occur before the age of 18 and happen persistently for over a year.
Why Use Medical Marijuana for Tourette’s?
Current research shows a beneficial relationship between cannabis and Tourette’s patients. As with other neurological disorders, anxiety is known to increase the frequency and intensity of tics. Luckily, medical marijuana has been found to significantly reduce this anxiety and any accompanying symptom changes. In fact, there has been ongoing research since 1989 for medical marijuana with a number of different diseases including autism, Huntington’s Chorea, and Tourette’s. This interest has only continued to grow as more people realize the health benefits of CBD oil treatments. Though there are various other treatments for Tourette’s such as medications that block dopamine and anti-depressants, they come with a long list of possible side effects. In comparison, cannabis treatments provide a safer and more natural option with minimal side effects.
Why Choose Ozark MMJ Cards?
Medical marijuana is a great choice for individuals looking to alleviate Tourette’s syndrome tics that interfere with daily functioning. At Ozark MMJ Cards, our doctors are all highly experienced professionals in the medical marijuana field. If you live in the state of Arkansas, Missouri, or Oklahoma and suffer from Tourette’s syndrome, then you’re eligible for a medical marijuana card and treatment. Our doctors will help you through the process by gathering your medical history, certifying you, and discussing what products will be best for your case. Contact us today to learn more about the benefits of medical marijuana for Tourette’s.