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What Is Multiple Sclerosis?
MS is an autoimmune disease that affects the brain, spinal cord and optic nerve in the eyes. The condition can also cause issues with vision, balance, muscle control among other important body functions. The disease causes the immune system to attack myelin, a fatty material that wraps around nerve fibers to protect them. Without myelin, the nerves become damaged and scar tissue forms. This hinders the brain’s ability to send signals through the body correctly.
Not everyone who has MS experiences symptoms in the same way. Some people don’t even need treatment because their symptoms are so mild, while others have difficulty walking and performing basic daily tasks. Common symptoms associated with MS include:
Difficulty walking
Fatigue
Muscle weakness or spasms
Double vision
Tingling and numbness
Poor bowel and bladder control
Sexual dysfunction
Depression
Pain
The exact cause of MS is not fully understood, but hereditary genes, smoking and certain viral infections have all been shown to play a role in onset. Women are more likely to develop MS than men. A healthy diet, regular exercise and stress reduction can help to reduce symptoms.
Is Multiple Sclerosis a Qualifying Condition in Pennsylvania?
Multiple sclerosis (MS), one of the most common neurological diseases, can be one of the tougher diagnoses to cope with. At any given time, there are roughly 400,000 Americans living with MS.
One of the most important things about MS is that the earlier you start treatment, the less likely you are to suffer from debilitating symptoms. There is no known cure for MS, but there are a few prescription medications on the market indicated to treat MS and its symptoms.
The good news for MS patients who live in Pennsylvania is that they now have access to a promising treatment option - medical marijuana.
How Can Medical Marijuana Help Multiple Sclerosis
Medical marijuana has been shown to help patients find relief from certain MS symptoms. One study published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry found that the patients involved in the study who used medical marijuana saw big improvements in muscle stiffness. Improvements were also seen in body pain, sleep quality and spasms. Inflammation of neural tissue is a major factor for MS, and medical marijuana has been shown to have a positive effect on this. Several other investigations have exposed a link between medical marijuana and lower rates of depression among MS sufferers.
If you are a Pennsylvania resident suffering from a medical condition you think may benefit cannabis, you're likely eligible for medical marijuana treatment.
To learn more about the medical marijuana process or schedule an appointment, give us a call today at (855) 607-5458 or book your evaluation online.
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