Autonomic Dysfunction
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS PRESENTED FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. MEDICAL MARIJUANA INC. PROVIDES THIS INFORMATION TO PROVIDE AN UNDERSTANDING OF THE POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS OF CANNABIDIOL. LINKS TO THIRD PARTY WEBSITES DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN ENDORSEMENT OF THESE ORGANIZATIONS BY MEDICAL MARIJUANA INC. AND NONE SHOULD BE INFERRED.Autonomic dysfunction refers to a collection of diseases that develop when nerves that control involuntary bodily functions are damaged. Studies suggest that cannabis’ neuroprotective and antioxidant effects, as well as its ability to interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, may be beneficial for treating and preventing the progress of some types of autonomic dysfunction.
OVERVIEW OF AUTONOMIC DYSFUNCTIONAutonomic dysfunction, also commonly called autonomic neuropathy or dysautonomia, describe many conditions caused by damage to the autonomic nervous system (ANS). The ANS is the division of the peripheral nervous system that is responsible for controlling body functions that we don’t have to consciously think about, such as breathing, heart rate, blood pressure control, temperature regulation, and digestion.
The most common type of autonomic dysfunction is neurocardiogenic syncope (NCS), which is when the nerves controlling heart rate or vascular tone are damaged, causing a lack of blood pressure and repeated fainting. Another type, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), is when the ANS is unable to properly control blood pressure or heart rate when a person stands up, causing them to feel dizzy and lightheaded, and possibly faint. Multiple system atrophy (MSA), a fatal form of autonomic dysfunction, impairs your body’s ability to manage blood pressure, heart rate, bladder function and digestion. Other types of autonomic dysfunction include hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathies (HSAN), a group of genetic disorders that often begin in infancy, and Holmes-Adie syndrome, which mostly affects the nerves controlling the muscles of the eye.
If the nerves of the ANS become damaged, autonomic dysfunction can develop and cause an array of problems that can range from mild to life threatening. Some common symptoms of autonomic neuropathy include urinary dysfunction, sexual dysfunction, lightheadedness, weakness, impaired sweating, diarrhea or constipation, and numbness or tingling.
Autonomic dysfunction is often caused by an underlying disease or condition. Diabetes and Parkinson’s disease are two chronic conditions that can lead to autonomic neuropathy. Riley-Day syndrome, progressive autonomic failure, Shy-Drager syndrome, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Lyme disease, toxicity, medications, and physical trauma are some other conditions or events that can cause autonomic dysfunction.
The conditions that damage the ANS can sometimes be temporary and reversible, while others may be chronic and continue to worsen over time. Focus of treating autonomic dysfunction is on addressing that underlying cause. In some cases, by treating the underlying cause, the damaged ANS nerves may be able to repair and regenerate. A doctor may also help treat the dysfunction by addressing the symptoms. Exercises, medications and dietary recommendations are used to increase blood volume, help manage heart rate, and improve blood pressure.
FINDINGS: EFFECTS OF CANNABIS ON AUTONOMIC DYSFUNCTIONStudies indicate that cannabis could be beneficial for preventing and treating autonomic dysfunction. Cannabis has shown to have antioxidant and neuroprotective properties, indicating it supports the health of the nervous system and could limit or prevent nerve damage6. Cannabinoids found in cannabis, including tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), have demonstrated efficacy at limiting neuron damage and encouraging neuroregeneration7,10.
Cannabinoids have also shown to potentially be effective for autonomic neuropathy through their interaction with the endocannabinoid system, a complex system responsible for regulating several body processes to maintain health and prevent disease7. Modulating the endocannabinoid system has shown to be therapeutically beneficial by slowing the progression of neural disorders5,7. One study provided evidence that activation of the CB2 receptor attenuates autonomic function following a spinal cord injury5.
Studies show that cannabinoids play a role in the regulation of blood pressure. Cannabinoids that activate CB1 rreceptors have shown to cause blood vessels to vasodilate, improving blood flow and reducing blood pressure4,9,11. However, these findings may be concerning for those with NCS with low blood pressure and who are subject to fainting. While the vasodilator effect has been shown to help normalize blood pressure in those with hypertension, the reduction in blood pressure caused by cannabinoids may increase the risk of fainting in a person with ANS.
STATES THAT HAVE APPROVED MEDICAL MARIJUANA FOR AUTONOMIC DYSFUNCTIONSo far, no states have approved medical marijuana for the treatment of autonomic dysfunction. However, Arkansas, Montana, New Mexico, New York and Pennsylvania have approved medical marijuana for the treatment of neuropathy.
However, in Washington D.C., any condition recommended by DC-licensed physician can be approved for medical marijuana. California allows medical marijuana for “any debilitating illness where the medical use of marijuana has been deemed appropriate and has been recommended by a physician.’” In Nevada, other conditions are subject to approval, and in Connecticut, the Department of Consumer Protection may approve other medical conditions. Patients in Massachusetts may be able to get legal access, as the state approves “other conditions as determined in writing by a qualifying patient’s physician.” In Oregon and Rhode Island, “other conditions are subject to approval.”
RECENT STUDIES ON CANNABIS’ EFFECT ON AUTONOMIC DYSFUNCTION
OVERVIEW OF AUTONOMIC DYSFUNCTIONAutonomic dysfunction, also commonly called autonomic neuropathy or dysautonomia, describe many conditions caused by damage to the autonomic nervous system (ANS). The ANS is the division of the peripheral nervous system that is responsible for controlling body functions that we don’t have to consciously think about, such as breathing, heart rate, blood pressure control, temperature regulation, and digestion.
The most common type of autonomic dysfunction is neurocardiogenic syncope (NCS), which is when the nerves controlling heart rate or vascular tone are damaged, causing a lack of blood pressure and repeated fainting. Another type, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), is when the ANS is unable to properly control blood pressure or heart rate when a person stands up, causing them to feel dizzy and lightheaded, and possibly faint. Multiple system atrophy (MSA), a fatal form of autonomic dysfunction, impairs your body’s ability to manage blood pressure, heart rate, bladder function and digestion. Other types of autonomic dysfunction include hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathies (HSAN), a group of genetic disorders that often begin in infancy, and Holmes-Adie syndrome, which mostly affects the nerves controlling the muscles of the eye.
If the nerves of the ANS become damaged, autonomic dysfunction can develop and cause an array of problems that can range from mild to life threatening. Some common symptoms of autonomic neuropathy include urinary dysfunction, sexual dysfunction, lightheadedness, weakness, impaired sweating, diarrhea or constipation, and numbness or tingling.
Autonomic dysfunction is often caused by an underlying disease or condition. Diabetes and Parkinson’s disease are two chronic conditions that can lead to autonomic neuropathy. Riley-Day syndrome, progressive autonomic failure, Shy-Drager syndrome, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Lyme disease, toxicity, medications, and physical trauma are some other conditions or events that can cause autonomic dysfunction.
The conditions that damage the ANS can sometimes be temporary and reversible, while others may be chronic and continue to worsen over time. Focus of treating autonomic dysfunction is on addressing that underlying cause. In some cases, by treating the underlying cause, the damaged ANS nerves may be able to repair and regenerate. A doctor may also help treat the dysfunction by addressing the symptoms. Exercises, medications and dietary recommendations are used to increase blood volume, help manage heart rate, and improve blood pressure.
FINDINGS: EFFECTS OF CANNABIS ON AUTONOMIC DYSFUNCTIONStudies indicate that cannabis could be beneficial for preventing and treating autonomic dysfunction. Cannabis has shown to have antioxidant and neuroprotective properties, indicating it supports the health of the nervous system and could limit or prevent nerve damage6. Cannabinoids found in cannabis, including tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), have demonstrated efficacy at limiting neuron damage and encouraging neuroregeneration7,10.
Cannabinoids have also shown to potentially be effective for autonomic neuropathy through their interaction with the endocannabinoid system, a complex system responsible for regulating several body processes to maintain health and prevent disease7. Modulating the endocannabinoid system has shown to be therapeutically beneficial by slowing the progression of neural disorders5,7. One study provided evidence that activation of the CB2 receptor attenuates autonomic function following a spinal cord injury5.
Studies show that cannabinoids play a role in the regulation of blood pressure. Cannabinoids that activate CB1 rreceptors have shown to cause blood vessels to vasodilate, improving blood flow and reducing blood pressure4,9,11. However, these findings may be concerning for those with NCS with low blood pressure and who are subject to fainting. While the vasodilator effect has been shown to help normalize blood pressure in those with hypertension, the reduction in blood pressure caused by cannabinoids may increase the risk of fainting in a person with ANS.
STATES THAT HAVE APPROVED MEDICAL MARIJUANA FOR AUTONOMIC DYSFUNCTIONSo far, no states have approved medical marijuana for the treatment of autonomic dysfunction. However, Arkansas, Montana, New Mexico, New York and Pennsylvania have approved medical marijuana for the treatment of neuropathy.
However, in Washington D.C., any condition recommended by DC-licensed physician can be approved for medical marijuana. California allows medical marijuana for “any debilitating illness where the medical use of marijuana has been deemed appropriate and has been recommended by a physician.’” In Nevada, other conditions are subject to approval, and in Connecticut, the Department of Consumer Protection may approve other medical conditions. Patients in Massachusetts may be able to get legal access, as the state approves “other conditions as determined in writing by a qualifying patient’s physician.” In Oregon and Rhode Island, “other conditions are subject to approval.”
RECENT STUDIES ON CANNABIS’ EFFECT ON AUTONOMIC DYSFUNCTION
- Modulating endocannabinoid system with cannabinoids reduces neuronal degeneration and is a promising pharmacological target for neurodegenerative diseases.
Cannabinoid receptor 2 signaling in neurodegenerative disorders: From pathogenesis to a promising therapeutic target.
(https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5288380/)
- Autonomic Dysfunction. (2016, May 13). Healthline. Retrieved from http://www.healthline.com/health/autonomic-dysfunction – Overview1.
- Autonomic Nervous System Disorders. (2016, February 2). Medline Plus. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/autonomicnervoussystemdisorders.html.
- Autonomic Neuropathy or Autonomic Dysfunction (Syncope): Information and Instructions. (2016, November 30). Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved from http://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/autonomic-neuropathy-autonomic-dysfunction-syncope-information-instructions.
- Bátkai, S., Pacher, P., Osei-Hyiaman, D., Radaeva, S., Liu, J., Harvey-White, J., Offertaler, L., Mackie, K., Rudd, M.A., Bukoski, R.D., and Kunos, G. (2004). Endocannabinoids Acting at Cannabinoid-1 Receptors Regulate Cardiovascular Function in Hypertension. Circulation, 110(14), 1996–2002. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2756479/.
- Baty, D.E., Zhang, M., Li, H., Erb, C.J., Adler, M.W., Ganea, D., Loftus, C.M., Jallo, J.I., and Tuma, R.F. (2008). Cannabinoid CB2 receptor activation attenuates motor and autonomic function deficits in a mouse model of spinal cord injury. Clinical Neurosurgery, 55, 172-7. Retrieved from https://www.cns.org/sites/default/files/clinical_neuro/chapter23.pdf.
- Cassano, T., Calcagnini, S., Pace, L., De Marco, F., Romano, A., & Gaetani, S. (2017). Cannabinoid Receptor 2 Signaling in Neurodegenerative Disorders: From Pathogenesis to a Promising Therapeutic Target. Frontiers in Neuroscience, 11, 30. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5288380/.
- Croxford, J.L., Pryce, G., Jackson, S.J., Ledent, C., Giovannoni, G., Pertwee, R.G., Yamamura, T., and Baker, D. (2008, January). Cannabinoid-mediated neuroprotection, not immunosuppression, may be more relevant to multiple sclerosis. Journal of Neuroimmunology, 193(1-2), 120-9. Retrieved from http://www.jni-journal.com/article/S0165-5728(07)00396-7/fulltext.
- Di Marzo, V., Bifulco, M., and De Petrocellis, L. (2004, September). The endocannabinoid system and its therapeutic exploitation. Nature Reviews, 3(9), 771-84. Retrieved from http://www.nature.com/nrd/journal/v3/n9/full/nrd1495.html.
- Herradon, E., Martin, M.I., and Lopez-Miranda, V. (2007, November). Characterization of the vasorelaxant mechanisms of the endocannabinoid anandamide in rat aorta. British Journal of Pharmacology, 152(5), 699-708. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2190007/.
- Kubajewska, I., and Constantinescu, C.S. (2010, August). Cannabinoids and experimental models of multiple sclerosis. Immunobiology, 215(8), 647-57. Retrieved from http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0171298509001442.
- Stanley, C.P., and O’Sullivan, S.E. (2014, March). Cyclooxygenase metabolism mediates vasorelaxation to 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) in human mesenteric arteries. Pharmacological Research, 81, 74-82. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3992009/.
- Szabo, B., Nordheim, U., and Niederhoffer, N. (2001, May). Effects of cannabinoids on sympathetic and parasympathetic neuroeffector transmission in the rabbit heart. The Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, 297(2), 819-826. Retrieved from http://jpet.aspetjournals.org/content/297/2/819.long.