Traumatic brain injuries are a form of trauma that disrupts typical brain functioning due to a sudden strike or force to the head. For many individuals, the effects can be severe and debilitating, significantly impairing their ability to function adequately and normally in their everyday lives. TBI can also manifest when an object penetrates the brain tissue in one’s skull. Traumatic brain injuries can be mild with slighter forms of discomfort, but they can also be severe and life-threatening in some circumstances.
Some of the common signs exhibited by patients with traumatic brain injury include:
Depending on the severity of one’s brain injury and where it is located, the frequency and appearance of these symptoms may alter from patient to patient. Traumatic brain injuries are typically categorized as mild, moderate or severe.
Every year, nearly 80,000 new individuals undergo the debilitating effects associated with traumatic brain injuries. While these cases often require immediate assistance in an emergency care setting, it’s also crucial to plan for the road to recovery.
Once treated by a doctor, patients should develop a treatment plan to ease their tension and discomfort. Cannabis, or CBD products, are one form of medicinal therapy many patients with TBI are turning to with the hopes of alleviating their unwanted symptoms.
The endocannabinoid system plays a quintessential role in regulating and monitoring the body’s ability to function daily. This system contains various ligands, receptors and enzymes responsible for breaking down lipid mediators that ensure proper bodily regulation. In patients with traumatic brain injury, harmful mediators accumulate and result in further damage.
Essentially, the pathways that signal various receptors become disrupted, which causes harmful mediators to build up over time. The body of a TBI patient responds with inflammation, as well as the accumulation of watery fluid in the cavities of the head.
Despite the severity of one’s traumatic brain injury, it is not uncommon for most patients to experience a release of toxic chemicals to the brain that induces oxidative stress and inflammation. It’s essential to recognize this issue and treat it immediately to avoid further damage or permanent injury.
Although the side effects of a brain injury can be challenging to treat, research surrounding the cannabinoids found in medical marijuana and CBD is beginning to show promising results in neurological treatment.
Because the receptors scattered throughout the endocannabinoid system may become damaged or toxic during a traumatic brain injury, the curative properties of cannabidiol may help these receptors get back on track. This phytocannabinoid activates various receptors that regulate inflammatory cells throughout the brain and body. These compounds work efficiently to prevent the body from producing cytokines, cells that provoke inflammation, while stimulating the release of minocycline, compounds that reduce swelling.
Due to the results CBD poses for traumatic brain injury patients, it’s essential to consult with a physician open to the idea of medical cannabis treatment if you find yourself currently suffering with this injury.
If you are considering seeking medical marijuana treatment for a traumatic brain injury, it’s crucial to choose the right ingestion method for your needs.
Many patients may prefer to seek relief through a directly ingested edible or pill. This method allows the product to absorb directly into the bloodstream for immediate relief with prolonged effects. Also, edibles and pills avoid the potential irritation caused by lung irritation, which can appear from smoking CBD products. Capsules and edibles allow you to directly control your dosage amount to ensure you follow a routine prescription intake every day if preferred.
Vaporizing also produces immediate effects while causing less discomfort than smoking. A vaporizer releases fewer byproducts during use, but still helps you ingest the cannabinoids you need to find relief.
Choosing the right product to treat your traumatic brain injury will often be contingent upon the symptoms you experience and want to eliminate. If your primary concern centers around reducing inflammation, be sure to check out the following options:
Another common side effect that manifests immediately after the occurrence of this injury is pain. To effectively manage your chronic pain, seek CBD options with cannabinoids that target this issue. Several options for pain reduction include:
As with any other treatment plan, remember to always consult with a trained medical professional before trying new medications.
Not sure how to connect to a health professional in your area? Want to learn more about the benefits of cannabis before seeking treatment for your condition? At MarijuanaDoctors.com, our number one goal is to bring patients across the globe access to the medical marijuana knowledge they need to enhance their daily quality of life. Be sure to check with our resources and blogs for more information on cannabis and treatment plans in your area.
Learn more about Traumatic Brain Injury and what makes medical marijuana an effective treatment for Traumatic Brain Injury’s symptoms.
