Study: Sativex helps relieve spasticity caused by spinal cord injury

New research indicates that Sativex, a phytocannabinoid-based spray, may alleviate spasticity associated with prolonged spinal cord injury.

Conducted by a group of Spanish doctors from the University and Polytechnic Hospital in Valencia (Spain), the 6-month study reveals that Sativex could be effective when traditional treatments are not.

Study on Sativex

L’comparative observational study involved 15 patients who were given a «mouth spray containing delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol» and described the results over a 6-month observation period.

4 measurement scales were used: the modified Ashworth scale (spasticity), the Penn spasm scale (spasticity), a numerical scale (pain) and the visual analog scale (pain).

Clinical variables and treatment side effects were also collected.

The study finally showed that spasticity refractory to other treatments improved with Sativex. In the words of the study, «significant improvement was observed on three of the scales used: the Ashworth scale, the Penn spasm scale and the numerical pain scale. Use of the drug was suspended in two patients due to side effects.»

The research concludes, however, that further research is needed before Sativex is actually prescribed for spinal cord injury-related spasticity.

The In theory, Sativex can be prescribed in France for spasticity associated with multiple sclerosis. In fact, the drug is not being marketed, officially due to a disagreement over the selling price between the distributor and the French Ministry of Health.