CBD to relieve migraine symptoms
CBD (cannabidiol), a non-psychoactive compound derived from cannabis, is attracting increasing interest for its therapeutic potential, particularly in the relief of migraines. Although scientific studies on this subject are still limited, some preliminary research shows promising results in the relief of migraine-related symptoms. Find out how.
What is a migraine?
Characterized by severe, repetitive headaches, nausea, vomiting and hypersensitivity to light and noise, migraine is a neurovascular phenomenon affecting 15% of the world's population. It is explained by abnormal neuronal excitability, which may be associated with genetic and environmental factors.
The pain associated with migraine attacks is secondary to dilation of the dilation of the cerebral vessels, particularly the arteries of the meninges (membranes protecting the brain).
Migraines can be triggered by a number of factors, which vary from person to person:
- The consumption of certain stimulating foods or drinks (chocolate, cold meats, tobacco, coffee, alcohol);
- From sensory factors such as noise, certain smells or light;
- Stress or irregular sleep patterns;
- From hormonal factorsThese headaches, known as "catamenial" or "menstrual" headaches, generally appear a few days before or after the onset of menstruation. These headaches, known as "catamenial" or "menstrual" headaches, generally appear a few days before or after the onset of menstruation. This migraine alone is rare, and is often associated with other factors outside the menstrual period;
- From weather conditionswith a sudden drop in atmospheric pressure.
Migraines can sometimes be preceded by neurological neurological signs called "aura". "aura". These signs set in within a few minutes, and can last from 30 minutes to 1 hour before the onset of the migraine (visual, sensory, language and balance disorders, dizziness, etc.).
Today, treatments include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and triptans to relieve pain. When migraine attacks are recurrent and incapacitating, a background treatment may be prescribed to reduce the frequency of attacks. These solutions are not always effective, and may have side effects.
How can CBD relieve symptoms associated with migraine attacks?
CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid systema network of receptors and neurotransmitters regulating vital functions such as pain, inflammation and mood. Studies indicate that the endocannabinoid system plays a key role in modulating pain responses, and that imbalances in this system may be linked to migraines.
A study published in Frontiers in Neurology in 2018 suggested that CBD could reduce pain and inflammation, two factors associated with migraines. What's more, research has shown that CBD also acts on serotonin, a neurotransmitter implicated in migraines, by regulating levels of this substance in the brain. This interaction could thus explain CBD's potential effects in alleviating attacks.
Although large-scale clinical trials are still needed, some preliminary studies are encouraging. A study published in Pharmacotherapy in 2016 showed that chronic migraine sufferers who used cannabis-based products (containing both THC and CBD) saw a 40% reduction in the frequency of their attacks.
However, it's important to note that the majority of available research is based on preparations combining THC and CBD, and not on CBD alone. This means that the effects observed could be partially attributed to THC, raising the need forspecific studies on pure CBD.
How can CBD be used to relieve migraines?
To relieve migraine symptoms with CBD, one of the most common forms isCBD oiloil, which can be taken sublingually (1 to 2 drops under the tongue). This enables rapid absorption and relatively rapid relief of symptoms.
Flavored or not, CBD oil is available in various concentrations (from 5% to 40%) to accompany both light and heavy pathologies. Consult our automatic dosage calculator to find the right CBD dosage.
> Also read: How to choose your CBD oil?
Sources :
[1] Baron, E. P. (2018). Medicinal Properties of Cannabinoids, Terpenes, and Flavonoids in Cannabis and Benefits in Migraine, Headache, and Pain: An Update on Current Evidence and Cannabis Science. Frontiers in Neurology, 9, 420. DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2018.00420
[2] Rhyne, D. N., Anderson, S. L., Gedde, M., & Borgelt, L. M. (2016). Effects of Medical Marijuana on Migraine Headache Frequency in an Adult Population. Pharmacotherapy: The Journal of Human Pharmacology and Drug Therapy., 36(5), 505-510. DOI: 10.1002/phar.1673
[3] Russo, E. B. (2016). Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency (CECD): Can this Concept Explain Therapeutic Benefits of Cannabis in Migraine, Fibromyalgia, Irritable Bowel Syndrome and other Treatment-Resistant Conditions? Neuro Endocrinology Letters, 29(2), 192-200.