Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE)

What is Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy(CTE)?

According to the Mayo Clinic, Repeated head traumas may cause brain degeneration known as Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE). A diagnosis of CTE can only be made at a death scene by examining brain tissue samples. Unfortunately, CTE cannot be diagnosed in a live patient.

CTE is still mostly a mystery in the medical community. The number of head injuries and the severity of those injuries, as well as other factors, are still being studied by experts to see if they contribute to the alterations in the brain that lead to CTE.

Many athletes, including boxers, have been diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Military personnel who have been exposed to explosive blasts may also be at risk for this condition. CTE is thought to cause a variety of symptoms, such as cognitive and emotional difficulties, as well as physical symptoms and abnormal behaviors. These are thought to appear years or even decades after a head injury has occurred.

Only a small number of people with a history of high-risk exposures can be diagnosed with CTE later in life. The prevalence of CTE in the general population has yet to be determined, and researchers are still trying to figure out what causes it. CTE cannot be cured. Fortunately, CTE has been added to the list of qualifying conditions for medicinal cannabis in Ohio. If you or a loved one are suffering from CTE, contact an experienced Ohio medical marijuana doctor today!

What are the Symptoms of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE)?

Patients suffering from CTE may experience the following symptoms:

• Trouble formulating thoughts
• Impulsive Behavior
• Memory Loss
• Difficulty Organizing
• Difficulty Executing Tasks
• Aggression
• Depression
• Apathy
• Drug Abuse
• Instable Emotions
• Suicidal Thoughts
• Self-Harm

CTE symptoms take a significant amount of time to appear. In some cases, it can take years, or even decades, for CTE symptoms to appear.

Treating CTE with Medical Marijuana in Ohio

A study published in 2018 found that medical marijuana has been extremely beneficial in reducing the symptoms of chronic traumatic encephalopathy. CTE symptoms like headache, nausea, insomnia, dizziness, agitation and psychotic symptoms can be alleviated with the help of cannabis chemovars that combine THC and CBD.

What CTE Symptoms can Medical Marijuana Help Alleviate?

Medical Marijuana has been found to help patients in Ohio suffering from the following symptoms:

• Dementia
• Depression
• Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors
• Aggressive Behavior
• Irritability
• Anger
• Memory loss
• Trouble Focusing
• Spasticity 

How to Use Medical Marijuana when Treating Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy

When utilizing medical marijuana in Ohio to treating CTE, it’s imperative to consult with your Ohio medical marijuana doctor on best methods of ingestion, dosing, and more.

Edibles

Another alternative is to take your cannabis medication as an edible. You can choose from a wide range of cannabis-infused delicacies, including gummies, baked goods, and more. Edibles benefit you because they provide longer-lasting effects — considerably longer than vaping or smoking — but they take longer to feel.

Tinctures

Cannabis tinctures, according to Leafly, are alcohol-based cannabis extracts—basically, cannabis-infused alcohol. In fact, until the United States implemented cannabis prohibition, tinctures were the most used form of cannabis medicine. They’re an excellent starting point for both recreational and medical users who want to transition to smokeless usage.

Smoking

Smoking medicinal marijuana causes the plant to heat up, releasing the cannabinoids. You’ll immediately feel the effects of the herb if you smoke it. Smoking can cause lung difficulties due to the chemicals it produces, and it may not be the best option for people who have suffered traumatic brain injuries.

Vaporizing

Vaping is a non-smoking option. Vape devices heat the cannabis to a lower temperature than smoking does, and they don’t produce as many byproducts. You’ll still notice immediate results and relief. Furthermore, compared to smoking, vaping is a much more discrete method of medicating.

Find a Medical Marijuana Doctor Near Me in Ohio

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with CTE in Ohio and want to learn more about how medical marijuana can help, fill out our qualification survey and schedule an appointment with a medical marijuana doctor in Ohio right now. To make an appointment at one of our Ohio Medical Marijuana clinics, call us now.