American Academy of Neurology Releases Cannabis, Alternative Medicine Guideline In MS

A new guideline is released by the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) is setting up multiple sclerosis (MS). It is based on the evidences collected from cannabis and other complimentary and alternative medicines (CAM). It is said the tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), extracts of oral cannabus, as well as a cannabinoid mouth spray may help in spasticity and pain relief. The report also adds the magnetic therapy and Gingko biloba may alleviate fatigue. Apart from these, the reflexology could help in easing the paresthesia. As of now the cannabis oral extract and the spray are not available in the market. Even, the overall evidence for CAM is also sparse to some extent. Vijayshree Yadav, who led the expert panel, said even though extensive search has been done for different therapies on patients, there is little evidence that MS will be treated effectively by most of it. Yadav, MD, is from Department of Neurology, Oregon Health & Science University in Portland. She added that the safety of the approaches is yet not known. Also, most of the CAM therapies are not regulated by the FDA and this includes all the forms of cannabis too. The new AAN guideline is published in the Neurology journal. Yadav added further that the only THC - dronabinol (Marinol, AbbVie) approved by FDA and available in the US is meant for vomiting in patients suffering from cancer, and in boosting the appetite in HIV-infected patients.