Medical Marijuana for Tourette’s Syndrome
If you or a loved one is struggling with Tourette’s Syndrome, you should know that medical marijuana may be available for treating symptoms of this condition. Schedule an appointment with us at 888-316-9085 to start your evaluation process!
Tourette's Syndrome is a neurological disorder that causes sudden uncontrolled movements or outbursts, commonly referred to as 'tics' in patients.
Some examples include continuous blinking of eyes, blurting out words that they did not intend to say, and shrugging of the shoulders.
Whether you’re a child or an adult, Tourette’s Syndrome is not an easy condition to live with. The condition, which is commonly characterized by twitches and uncontrollable outbursts, develops during childhood and causes many difficulties on a daily basis. And while there is no cure for this illness, there are alternative treatment options (e.g. medical marijuana) that can ease symptoms and improve a person’s quality of life at the same time.
Patients living with Tourette’s Syndrome are eligible for treatment with medical marijuana in Pennsylvania. Compassionate Certification Centers is here to help!
Symptoms of Tourette’s Syndrome
Tics are the hallmark sign of this condition. These symptoms can range from mild to severe. Severe symptoms might significantly interfere with communication, daily functioning, and quality of life. Below are some of the common symptoms associated with Tourette’s Syndrome:
Common Motor Tics
- Bending, twisting, or hopping
- Eye blinking and darting
- Head jerking and shoulder shrugging
- Mouth movements
- Nose twitching
- Obscene gesturing
- Repeating observed movements
- Stepping in a certain pattern
- Touching or smelling objects
Common Vocal Tics
- Coughing and throat clearing
- Grunting or barking
- Repeating words or phrases
- Using vulgar, obscene, or swear words
How to Diagnose Tourette’s Syndrome
Currently, there are no specific tests for diagnosing Tourette’s Syndrome. And for that reason, a neurologist is the person best suited to diagnose this illness. They may suggest blood tests and brain imaging tests, including MRI and CT scans, to confirm the patient is experiencing symptoms of Tourette’s Syndrome and not of any other neurological conditions.
Neurologists will look for motor and vocal tics and create a diagnosis based upon these symptoms and the patient’s medical history. The neurologist will also check to see if the tics are from a reaction to a medicine or any other substance.
Statistics to Consider
- The CDC found that 1 of every 360 (0.3%) children 6 – 17 years of age in the United States have received a diagnosis of Tourette’s Syndrome, which is about 138,000 children.
- Of the total number of children with Tourette’s Syndrome in America, at least 86% have also been diagnosed with additional developmental, mental, and behavioral disorders.
- Men are 3-5 times more likely to have Tourette’s Syndrome than women.
Medical Marijuana for Tourette’s Syndrome
Many states across the nation have granted permission for patients with neurological disorders to receive medical marijuana to help control their symptoms. And while research is limited, many universities and scientists are currently conducting various studies to prove the medical efficacy of marijuana for Tourette Syndrome.
Additionally, The Tourette Association of America has declared support for more research and clinical trials through funds and access to medical cannabis. So far, the Association has funded 5 research grants that focus on the effectiveness of cannabinoids for Tourette’s Syndrome in three nations including the United States, Canada, and Israel.
In addition to medical marijuana, cannabidiol (CBD) has also shown promising results. Many patients suffering from the disease opt for CBD as a treatment option due to its non-psychoactive properties. CBD not only helps reduce the tics associated with Tourette’s Syndrome, but can dramatically improve the quality of life for these patients.
How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card for Tourette’s Syndrome
Due to the seriousness of the disease, many states have legalized the use of medical marijuana for Tourette’s Syndrome. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to get your medical marijuana card:
- Register over the phone or online
- Talk to a medical marijuana doctor
- Get your medical marijuana card
Compassionate Certification Centers is here to provide you with the support, care, and guidance you need to get certified for a medical marijuana card. Schedule an appointment with us at 888-316-9085 to start your evaluation process!
