What is multiple sclerosis (MS)?

Multiple sclerosis, or MS, is a chronic, degenerative nervous system disease. It occurs when immune cells attack and damage the coverings of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. Its exact cause remains unknown. Because it is not an infectious disease, it is not contagious.

Movement and coordination are enabled by electrical signals sent from the brain to the body. In the central nervous system, the protective coverings surrounding nerve cells are called “myelin.” Myelin helps nerve fibers transmit electrical signals. When the immune system attacks these coverings, damaged areas called “plaques,” a term often heard in this disease, form. These stripped, damaged areas can occur anywhere in the brain and spinal cord. Actions such as seeing, speaking and walking may consequently be impaired or disrupted. These are called MS attacks.

However, myelin layers regenerate and patients return to daily life. Attacks may recur at intervals of a week, a month, three months, six months or a year, varying by patient. Unfortunately, MS has no definitive cure.

What are the symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS)?

Because MS is variable and irregular, symptoms differ between people. They may change over time, improving or worsening. Complaints generally begin with weakness in the arms or legs.

Because MS can develop anywhere in the central nervous system, clinical symptoms may appear at different times during the disease:

  • Weakness, muscle stiffness, cramps and pain in the arms and legs on one or both sides
  • Numbness, tingling and pins and needles in different body areas
  • Vision loss or double vision
  • Speech disorders
  • Sexual dysfunction
  • Short-term memory problems
  • Loss of balance and dizziness
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Trembling hands
  • Bowel and bladder problems

Who develops multiple sclerosis (MS), and why does it occur?

Although anyone can develop MS, it is observed twice as often in women as men. The most frequent onset is in the twenties, with average onset in the thirties. It can rarely occur below 20 or above 50. At the time of this article, estimates were about five million patients worldwide and approximately 80,000 in Turkey.

MS cannot be described as a genetic disease, but having affected family members creates susceptibility. Research suggests environmental factors such as Epstein–Barr virus, herpes viruses and certain toxins may trigger immune activation.

MS has been observed more frequently than in the general population among people living in cold Scandinavian countries and areas with less daily sunlight. Because MS is an autoimmune* disease, people with other autoimmune conditions, such as type 1 diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease and Hashimoto's thyroiditis, face a greater risk.

*Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system attacks the body's normal tissues.

Other potential triggers and causes include ethnicity, blood–brain barrier damage, biochemical factors arising in the womb, diet and vitamin deficiencies, and allergic reactions.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) and CBD oil

Doctors working in countries where a wide range of CBD products are sold legally can be said to be increasingly optimistic about CBD use for MS. They also emphasize THC's importance in treating symptoms. According to the information reported, patients using CBD products containing 0.3% THC or less may later need products with higher THC concentrations for spasms and neuropathic pain caused by central nervous system damage.

Medical THC is a well-known pain reliever, and difficult MS symptoms may require more than the amounts present in CBD oil. CBD creams can nevertheless be used for localized pain in MS. Creams containing trace amounts of THC or none may provide relief without irritation.

In a 2009 study, researchers examined whether a CBD/THC mixture could reduce MS-related spasticity, which causes muscle stiffness and resistance to passive movement. They found evidence that capsules and oral sprays containing more THC than CBD could offer therapeutic benefits for spasticity symptoms.

In a 2016 study, researchers examined how Sativex, described in the original article as a medicine sold in spray form in America, could reduce muscle spasms in MS patients. Containing CBD and THC in a 1:1 ratio, Sativex was developed to reduce neuropathic pain, overactive bladder, spasticity and other common MS symptoms.

Based on self-reported data from 1,615 MS patients using the medicine for a year, the original account describes an initial 20% improvement in muscle spasticity within a group comprising 70% of participants, and clinically meaningful improvement in the remaining 30%.

In another study in 2018, researchers analyzed existing studies to investigate indirectly whether CBD with other cannabinoids could improve mobility in MS patients. They focused mostly on high-concentration CBD/THC preparations potentially relieving muscle spasms and pain and said more data were needed for firm conclusions. Because CBD oil may relieve many symptoms, including pain, spasticity, inflammation and fatigue, doctors can nevertheless be described as optimistic about this cannabinoid.

A 2003 study involving 630 MS patients used medical cannabis to treat spasticity. A majority of 95% had a progressive form of MS. Patients felt their spasticity and pain associated with sleep disturbance improved. They also completed walking tasks faster. The study's details can be reviewed at the link.

What are the side effects of CBD oil for MS patients?

Adverse reactions to CBD are very rare and considered mild. According to physician researchers, CBD products have fewer side effects than prescription medicines. However, consuming too much CBD oil can cause dry mouth, lowered blood pressure and dizziness.

If you are considering CBD oil or other CBD products alongside prescription medicines, remember to consult your doctor about potential side effects.

For more detail, read “Is it safe to use CBD with other medicines?.”

In conclusion…

Cannabinoids such as CBD and THC have demonstrated medical benefits. If you have MS, medicines containing CBD/THC are available to treat symptoms in some countries where their sale is legal. If conventional approaches have offered no benefit, you may try CBD products to relieve some symptoms and manage the condition. As a nourishing organic compound, CBD also has potential to improve other aspects of health. However, we recommend consulting your doctor before using CBD and its derivatives, especially if you are continuing prescription treatment.

We wish you good health.