Friday, November 07, 2003

HEALTH NEWS

My mum has suffered from Multiple Sclerosis (MS) for over 25 years. It has left here in a wheelchair, totally dependent on my father (and, thankfully, carers for which the local council contributes a pittance) and with ever mounting complications. So, today's news about the cannabis trials was of great interest to my family.

"The biggest-ever trial of drugs based on cannabis has confirmed the belief of multiple sclerosis patients that they can ease their symptoms."

The study was carried out by a research team based at the Peninsula Medical School and the University of Plymouth.

"The three year trial of more than 600 patients from across the UK set out to look at whether cannabinoids can reduce muscle stiffness, known as spasticity, in the arms and legs of MS patients and to assess their general wellbeing in relation to other symptoms."

It seems that the trials were inconclusive, despite the hype form the media. Patients did not get relief from stiffness, but there was some help for pain and discomfort. The Department of Health is not likely to recommend sanctioning cannabis for MS sufferers just yet. But, I don't think anyone thought that this would be a great cure. All sufferers like my mum want is a slightly better quality of life, relieved from some of the worst aspects of the disease. While she won't be spliffing just yet, I hope that pressure can be brought on the government to give her and others like her some respite.

:: Posted by pete @ 17:39