Medical Marijuana for Neurodegenerative Diseases
If you or a loved one is struggling with Neurodegenerative Diseases, 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!
If you or a loved one is struggling with a neurodegenerative disease, you should know that medical marijuana is now available in Pennsylvania.
With over 1 billion patients worldwide, neurodegenerative diseases are increasing at an unprecedented pace. They include an array of disorders, medical conditions, and progressive diseases that are often incurable. Starting from basic symptoms, these diseases increase both in complexity and severity with age. Mostly surfacing in the later years of life, they leave patients disabled, dependent, and vulnerable.
What is Neurodegenerative Disease?
Neurodegenerative disease is an umbrella term for a range of conditions which primarily affect the neurons in the brain. Neurons are the building blocks of the nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord. Neurons typically do not reproduce themselves, so when they become damaged, the body cannot replace them. Starting from basic symptoms, these diseases increase both in complexity and severity with age. Mostly surfacing in the later years of life, they leave patients disabled, dependent, and vulnerable.
Common Neurodegenerative Diseases
Below is a list of the most common types of neurodegenerative diseases:
- Alzheimer’s Disease
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
- Friedreich’s Ataxia
- Huntington’s Disease
- Lewy Body Disease
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Spinal Muscular Atrophy
What Causes Neurodegenerative Disease?
Degenerative nerve diseases affect many of your body’s main functions, such as balance, movement, talking, and breathing. Many of these diseases are genetic. Sometimes the cause is a medical condition such as alcoholism, a tumor, or a stroke. Other causes may include toxins, chemicals, and viruses. Sometimes the cause is unknown.
How to Diagnose Neurodegenerative Disease
There is no standardized test for MS. In most cases, Multiple Sclerosis is diagnosed by ruling out other conditions that may have similar symptoms, which is commonly referred to as a differential diagnosis.
The diagnosis for people with Relapsing-Remitting MS is fairly straightforward. Physicians will look for a pattern of symptoms and confirm them with blood tests and MRIs. People with unusual symptoms typically require a spinal fluid analysis, evoked potentials, and additional imaging tests.
Statistics to Consider
According to the Harvard NeuroDiscovey Centre, America has about
- 5 million Alzheimer’s Disease patients
- 1 million Parkinson’s Disease patients
- 400,000 Multiple Sclerosis patients
- 30,000 Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis patients
- 30,000 Huntington’s Disease patients
Medical Marijuana for Neurodegenerative Disease
Cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD, in medical marijuana have neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory qualities, which can prove useful in preventing, stopping, or reversing debilitating neurodegenerative disorders. Because of this, medical marijuana has the potential to reduce the onset and progression of many neurodegenerative conditions.
And while there is no cure for most neurodegnerative disorders, patients have found medical marijuana as a reliable form of treatment without the harsh side effects of prescription based medications.
How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card for Neurodegenerative Disease
Due to the seriousness of this disease, many states have legalized the use of medical marijuana for neurodegnerative disorders. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to get your medical marijuana card in the state of Pennsylvania:
- Register for the PA Medical Marijuana Program with Compassionate Certification Centers
- Have a physician certify that you suffer from a terminal illness
- Purchase a medical marijuana ID card
- Get medical marijuana from an approved dispensary in Pennsylvania
Compassionate Certification Centers is here to provide you with the support, care, and guidance you need to get certified in the Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Program. Schedule an appointment with us at 888-316-9085 to start your evaluation process!
