Medical Cannabis for Pediatric Moderate to Severe Complex Motor Disorders

Stephanie Libzon, Lihi Bar Lev Schleider, Naama Saban, Luda Levit, Yulia Tamari, Ilan Linder, Tally Lerman-Sagie, Lubov Blumkin

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

54 Scopus citations

Abstract

A complex motor disorder is a combination of various types of abnormal movements that are associated with impaired quality of life (QOL). Current therapeutic options are limited. We studied the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of medical cannabis in children with complex motor disorder. This pilot study was approved by the institutional ethics committee. Two products of cannabidiol (CBD) enriched 5% oil formulation of cannabis were compared: one with 0.25% δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) 20:1 group, the other with 0.83% THC 6:1 group. Patients aged 1 to 17 years (n = 25) with complex motor disorder were enrolled. The assigned medication was administered for 5 months. Significant improvement in spasticity and dystonia, sleep difficulties, pain severity, and QOL was observed in the total study cohort, regardless of treatment assignment. Adverse effects were rare and included worsening of seizures in 2 patients, behavioral changes in 2 and somnolence in 1.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)565-571
Number of pages7
JournalJournal of Child Neurology
Volume33
Issue number9
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Aug 2018
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • CBD
  • THC
  • cannabis
  • cerebral palsy
  • dystonia
  • movement disorders
  • spasticity

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
  • Clinical Neurology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Medical Cannabis for Pediatric Moderate to Severe Complex Motor Disorders'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this