The Role of Cannabis in Migraine Treatment
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Key Questions
- What is the latest research on medical cannabis and migraine?
- Why is non-oral administration of migraine medications an important consideration?
- What are common side effects of medical marijuana?
- How long does the acute relief from vaporized cannabinoids typically last?
- What did the research show about the effectiveness of THC alone versus THC plus CBD for treating migraine symptoms like photophobia, phonophobia, and nausea?
- How does cannabis affect the body when used to treat migraine attacks? Does it need to be used in amounts that cause intoxication to be effective, and what does research say about its physiological effects?
- Are there any potential drug interactions and safety considerations for medical cannabis?
- How do we know if we need to go to the emergency room when experiencing side effects, like paranoia? What are some other options?
Interview Notes
- Nathaniel M. Schuster, MD
- UC San Diego: Pain Management
- medRxiv
- Study: “Vaporized cannabis versus placebo for acute migraine: A randomized controlled trial”
- Journal article: “Medical Cannabis for Migraine Pain”
- Book: Eat, Sleep, Relax, Protect, Forget: An Endocannabinoid (ECS) Guide to Systems Wholeness for Women
- X: @NatSchusterMD
- LinkedIn: Nathaniel Schuster
Treatments Mentioned
- Aromatherapy
- Cannabinoid (THC/CBD)
- Cannabis (vaporized/edible)
- CGRP inhibitors
- Exercise
- Topiramate (Topamax)
- Triptans
- Yoga
Please note: The Migraine World Summit’s aim is to bring you a variety of perspectives and expertise, independent of bias or judgment. Alternative theories presented in this video have not been medically reviewed. Views expressed in this interview do not necessarily represent the views of the Migraine World Summit. Please always consult your health care professional and do your own research before making changes to your treatment plan.
Nathaniel M. Schuster, MD
Associate Clinic Director & Associate Professor
University of California, San Diego Center for Pain Medicine
Dr. Nathaniel Schuster is a headache and pain neurologist and an associate professor and associate clinic director at the University of California San Diego Center for Pain Medicine. He received the Migraine Research Foundation 2018 Impact Award to perform the first placebo-controlled trial of cannabis for acute migraine. He is a section editor for the Neuropathic Pain section of the journal Pain Medicine, the official journal of the American Academy of Pain Medicine. He is also a guest editor of the Pain & Headache: A Continuum issue for the journal Practical Neurology. His research focuses on clinical trials for headache and pain, including cannabinoid research.
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