Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

Treating Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) with Medical Marijuana in Ohio

What is a Traumatic Brain Injury and how Does it Impact You?

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Traumatic brain injury (TBI), which is a type of acquired brain injury, arises when the brain is damaged as a result of a sudden trauma. TBI can occur when the head is struck by an object in a sudden and forceful manner, or when an object pierces the skull and penetrates the brain’s tissue. The symptoms of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) can be minor, moderate, or severe, depending on the extent of the brain damage. A person suffering from a minor traumatic brain injury (TBI) may stay aware or may experience a brief loss of consciousness lasting a few seconds or minutes. Besides headaches and confusion, other symptoms of mild traumatic brain injury include lightheadedness, dizziness, blurred vision or tired eyes, ringing in the ears, a bad taste in the mouth, fatigue or lethargy, a change in sleep patterns, behavioral or mood changes, and difficulty with memory or concentration. People who have suffered moderate or severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) may experience the same symptoms as those listed above, as well as headaches that worsen or do not go away, repeated vomiting or nausea, convulsions or seizures, inability to wake up from sleep, dilation of one or both pupils of the eyes, slurred speech, weakness or numbness in the extremities and loss of coordination. They may also experience increased confusion, restlessness, or agitation.

Fortunatley, Traumatic Brain Injuries have been listed as a qualifying condition for Medical Marijuana in Ohio. If you or a loved one are suffering from a TBI, take our qualification survey today and schedule an appointment with a qualified Ohio medical marijuana card doctor.

Types of Traumatic Brain Injuries

1. Concussion (Mild)
2. Moderate Traumatic Brain Injury
3. Severe Traumatic Brain Injury

Causes of Traumatic Brain Injuries

• Falls
• Vehicle crashes
• Explosions
• Sports Injuries
• Child Abuse
• Being struck by an object in the head
• Penetrating Injury
  • Bullet
  • Blunt Object
  • Shrapnel

Traumatic Brain Injury Symptoms

Mild TBI Symptoms

• Headache
• Blurry Vision
• Confusion
• Disorientation
• Mood Changes
• Behavior Changes
• Memory problems
• Difficulty paying attention
• Ears Ringing
• Difficulty sleeping
• Lightheaded
• Dizzy

Severe TBI Symptoms

• Constant headache
• Nausea and Vomiting’s
• Tremendous confusion
• Dilated pupils
• Slurred Speech
• Seizure
• Weakness
• No Coordination

Primary and Secondary Brain Injuries

According to Hopkins Medicine, the term “primary brain injury” refers to a sudden and severe brain injury that is more or less complete at the time of impact. This occurs after a car accident, a gunshot wound, or a fall.

The alterations that occur hours to days following a primary brain injury are referred to as secondary brain damage. It refers to a sequence of biological, chemical, tissue, or blood vascular changes in the brain that contribute to the loss of more brain tissue.

Traumatic Brain Injuries and Medical Marijuana

Studies have revealed that patients suffering from a variety of TBI have found significant relief with the use of medical marijuana in Ohio.

Much of the research into medicinal marijuana — including CBD and THC — has centered on its use in the immediate aftermath of an accident, when the brain is most sensitive. While the research is limited, it does show potential.

Endocannabinoids are produced naturally by most mammals, including humans, and are thought to aid blood flow and neuroplasticity, among other things. Cannabinoids are known to have neuroprotective properties and may be able to block the production of inflammatory chemicals following brain damage, hence reducing oxidative stress.

The endocannabinoid 2-AG, which is naturally produced by the body, may help preserve the brain, according to one Israeli research team. As a form of self-protective strategy, the anti-inflammatory chemical is released in larger proportions following trauma. After giving mice higher doses of 2-AG after a brain damage, their motor and cognitive functions improved in the months that followed. While intriguing, this study revealed that both CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors are involved in the response, making it more difficult to isolate the mechanism at work.

TBI patients who tested positive for THC had a 2.4 percent fatality rate, down from 11.5 percent in a hospital survey in 2014, albeit the relevance is not as evident as in a controlled research.

Overall, research suggests that the protective function is most effective in the hours after an injury, in a near-immediate response to the trauma. The “window of opportunity” to prevent further brain injury is limited, and this study implies that CBD may help to extend that window.

Possible Side-Effects of Medical Marijuana

Side effects of marijuana can include impacts in:

• Fatigue
• Sleep
• Appetite
• Reaction Time
• Memory
• Mood
• Paranoia

Nearby Medical Marijuana Doctors in Ohio

In Ohio, any patient with a qualifying condition can get an Ohio medical marijuana card from a licensed physician. TruReleaf MD can determine if you are eligible to utilize medical marijuana in your treatment plan if you have suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury. Contact TruReleaf MD today to discover if you are eligible for a medicinal marijuana registration card. Take our online eligibility survey as a starting step.