Cannabis use by individuals with multiple sclerosis: effects on specific immune parameters

Cannabis use as described by people with multiple sclerosis.

BACKGROUND Multiple sclerosis (MS) is one of the most common neurological diseases affecting young adults. The prevalence of MS in Alberta has been described as among the highest reported in the world, estimated at 217 per 100,000. Numerous anecdotal reports, and a few small empirical investigations have suggested that cannabis use may relieve the symptom experience of those with MS. The presen...

Cannabis use in multiple sclerosis: excited interest.

Patterns of cannabis use among patients with multiple sclerosis.

To estimate the patterns and prevalence of cannabis use among patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), 220 patients were surveyed in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Seventy-two subjects (36%) reported ever having used cannabis for any purpose; 29 respondents (14%) reported continuing use of cannabis for symptom treatment. Medical cannabis use was associated with male gender, tobacco use, and recreational c...

Effects of Combined Mental and Physical Practices on Walking and Daily Living Activities in Individuals With Multiple Sclerosis

Objectives: Mental practice, as a neuropsychological factor effective in motor recovery, is a cognitive rehearsal of a physical skill without muscular activity. Considering the high level of fatigue in patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), we hypothesized that using mental practice as a low-level energy-consuming method added to physical practice could be a useful therapeutic strategy. Therefo...

Comparing the Effects of Flexible and Rigid Ankle-Foot Orthoses on Balance/Walking Performance in Individuals With Multiple Sclerosis

Background: Ankle-Foot orthoses are used to minimize the impact of weakness in ankle dorsiflexion muscles. The study on different orthotic types defines the optimal design, which effectively improves the users’ mobility. This study investigated the potential benefits and risks of a Dictus-band (flexible orthotic), compared with a thermoplastic (fixed) ankle-foot orthosis on the mobility of indi...