CBD Oil for Essential Tremors

With the legalization of hemp-derived products, the popularity of CBD oil has increased. Cannabidiol, truncated as CBD, is one of the ubiquitous cannabinoids of the cannabis plant. You might have heard about the use of marijuana and hemp as traditional medications. The rising popularity of CBD oil and other hemp-derived products has encouraged people to use it for medical and recreational purposes. Some people consider that CBD oil is beneficial for essential tremors.

You might be wondering how it can help with tremors. Or how you can use it to manage the symptoms of essential tremors. Before talking about the health benefits of CBD, it is crucial to understand what tremors are.

Essential tremors or ET is a condition that affects around 7 million Americans and millions globally. In general, it affects 5% of the population aged over 65. Currently, there is no cure for ET, and very few treatments are available. That is why some people proposed that CBD oil can offer potential relief.

Read on this article to the possibility of CBD oil cure in-depth!

What Is an Essential Tremor?

Technically, it is a neurological–nervous system disorder. Experts characterized it as involutory and rhythmic shaking that can occur in any part of the body. However, most commonly, it occurs in the hands when performing different tasks.

The tremors are similar to Parkinson’s disease, leading to ET being confused with Parkinson’s. Here are some key differences between the two conditions:

The Timing of the Tremors:

A person affected with Tremors usually sees symptoms when using their hands. However, in Parkinson’s disease, the tremors or shaking occur when a person is inactive. For example, Parkinson’s hand tremors are prominent when they are by the persons’ side or resting on their lap.

Posture and Movement:

Generally, people with ET develop ataxia – a condition in which they have no control over their body motions. Usually, people with ataxia have an unsteady gait.

On the other hand, people with Parkinson’s’ disease have a shuffling gait. Some other Parkinson’s disease symptoms are slow motion and having a stooped posture.

Parts of the Body Affected:

ET mainly affects:

Hands
Heads
Voice
Legs

With Parkinson’s disease, the tremors usually start in the hands and affect the chin and legs.

Symptoms for Essential Tremor:

Some prominent signs and symptoms of Essential tremor include:

Beginning gradually, usually more prominently on one side of the body
Worsening the movement
Occurrence in the hands first, affecting one or both hands
A possible yes-yes or no-no motion of hands

Upward and downward movements characterized in ET hands. These tremors can also affect:

Arms
Head
Eyelids
Larynx

Some common triggers of this condition:

Emotional stress
Fatigue
Caffeine
Temperature extreme

Many people have a slight tremor only when performing specific tasks, which is entirely reasonable and nothing of concern. Factors such as caffeine, stress, smoking, and tiredness can bring on a physiologic tremor.

What Causes Essential Tremors?

One of the most common risk factors for ET is age. Essential tremor is much more common in people aged 40 and older. The other main risk factor is a genetic mutation.

The inherited cause of ET is due to it being an autosomal dominant disorder. It means only one parent needs to have the defective gene for their children to inherit it. Research shows that if one parent has the defective gene, children have a 50% chance of developing the condition.

CBD Oil for Essential Tremors – Current Research

ways-to-maximize-the-health-benefits-of-CBD

Cannabidiol has become extremely popular in the human health department. There is plenty of clinical and pre-clinical research into CBD for other conditions with similar symptoms.

However, researchers are studying the effects of cannabidiol on ET. Researchers are also studying the effectiveness and safety of CBD oil for essential tremors.

The researchers estimate that approximately sixteen participants with ET will take part in the study. All participants undergo a complete neurological examination and psychological testing as part of the study.

The participants take an oral cannabis formulation with a CBD to THC ratio of 20:1. Upon completion of a particular dosage of the cannabis formulation for two weeks, participants taper off. After a washout period, they then cross to an alternate study arm.

The study will take approximately one year to complete. The researchers will use various types of validated tremor rating measures in the study. As well as quantifying tremor severity, the researchers will assess the safety and tolerability of the cannabis formulation.

Dr. Adrian Handforth is the Chief of Neurology at VA Greater LA Healthcare System. He is the lead researcher of an IETF-funded study that explores the effects of CBD on essential tremors. Dr. Handforth and his team seek to determine whether CBD can suppress ET in an animal model.

He says that finding positive results could justify a human clinical trial. Also, Dr. Handforth hopes to understand how CBD stops the tremor. If his team can achieve this, their findings could help develop an ET-specific medication.

Are There Any Research Results?

A recent 2021 study offered hope for ET patients. The study revealed that an injection of synthetic cannabinoids into the spinal cord turned on the astrocytes located there. The process resulted in the release of adenosine – a substance that reduces nerve activity and shaking.

Available Treatments for Essential Tremors:

Currently, there is no cure for essential tremors. Here is what is available right now.

Medications:

Some medications that can reduce the severity of essential tremor include:

Primidone
Beta-blockers
Gabapentin
Topiramate
Alprazolam
Benzodiazepines
Propranolol

Surgery:

Another option is to undergo deep brain stimulation – DBS. The procedure involves implanting electrical leads in the brain thalamus.

Could CBD Oil Help Reduce Essential Tremor?

Currently, the research is ongoing and focuses on the potential of the plant to address the symptoms of ET. Cannabidiol is a heavenly studied compound of the marijuana plant. CBD can potentially mitigate the symptoms of ET in the future.

Despite the level of research into CBD, there is still minimal research into cannabis for essential tremors. Nonetheless, the lack of treatment options for ET means that a growing number of patients are looking into CBD oil to help.

Final Thoughts on CBD Oil for Essential Tremors:

The clinical trials occurring right now are crucial for sufferers of ET and the cannabis industry as a whole. This will be the first time scientists have looked to the plant to calm essential tremor symptoms effectively.

The results of this research could potentially have a life-changing impact on people with ET. A positive outcome would likely pave the way for further clinical studies using cannabinoids.

CBD Oil for Essential Tremors – How Can It Help?

ByFiza Arooj