Migraines are neurological disorders which significantly impact quality of life. Current pharmacological treatments often have adverse effects, prompting the search for alternatives with fewer side effects. Several studies have described the antimigraine properties of palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) and melatonin.
Migraines are a common neurological disorder that generally affects young to middle-aged adults and females more than males. Various treatment options are available; however, these can cause undesirable side effects. Therefore, alternative treatments with minimal side effects are still being investigated. Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is a signalling lipid known to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Previous prophylactic research has reported PEA supplementation to decrease pain associated with migraines. Upon commencement of migraine symptoms, participants were supplemented with either 600 mg of PEA (Levagen+) or a placebo (maltodextrin). Once a dose was taken, participants recorded a visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain every 30 min for 4 h or until the migraine resolved.
Medical marijuana treatment for migraine is becoming more common, although the legality and societal acceptance of marijuana for medical purposes in the United States have been challenged by the stigma attached to it as a recreational drug. These substances function to reduce nociception and decrease the frequency of migraine by having an impact on the endocannabinoid system. Our study reviewed the clinical response, dosing, and side effects of marijuana in migraine management. Using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, we conducted a literature search in PubMed, Google Scholar, and Science Direct, and nine studies were included in the systematic review. The studies demonstrated that medical marijuana has a significant clinical response by reducing the length and frequency of migraines. No severe adverse effects were noted. Due to its effectiveness and convenience, medical marijuana therapy may be helpful for patients suffering from migraines. However, additional clinical trials and observational studies with longer follow-ups are required to study the efficacy and safety of the drug.
Medical marijuana treatment for migraine is becoming more common, although the legality and societal acceptance of marijuana for medical purposes in the United States have been challenged by the stigma attached to it as a recreational drug. These substances function to reduce nociception and decrease the frequency of migraine by having an impact on the endocannabinoid system. Our study reviewed the clinical response, dosing, and side effects of marijuana in migraine management. Using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, we conducted a literature search in PubMed, Google Scholar, and Science Direct, and nine studies were included in the systematic review. The studies demonstrated that medical marijuana has a significant clinical response by reducing the length and frequency of migraines. No severe adverse effects were noted. Due to its effectiveness and convenience, medical marijuana therapy may be helpful for patients suffering from migraines. However, additional clinical trials and observational studies with longer follow-ups are required to study the efficacy and safety of the drug.
A study from Complementary Therapies in Medicine in 2020 examines patterns of cannabis use and its associated relief among migraineurs.
Author: Sarah S. Stitha, Jegason P.Diviant, Franco Brockelman, KeenanKeeling, BrandenHall, Storri Lucern, Jacob M.Vigil, Kathleen MacMillan MacMillan, Amanda Keddy, James Furlon Published in Science Direct July 2020 Abstract Objective: Few studies…
Author: Eric P. Baron DO Published in HEADACHE Journal of Headache and face pain August 2018 Abstract Background Comprehensive literature reviews of historical perspectives and evidence supporting cannabis/cannabinoids in the treatment…
Authors: Joshua Aviram, Yelena Vysotski, Paula Berman, Gil M Lewitus, Elon Eisenberg, David Meiri Published in MDPI June 2020 Background Medical cannabis (MC) treatment for migraine is practically emerging, although…
The Journal of Pain, 9 November 2019
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Use of cannabis to alleviate headache and migraine is relatively common, yet research on its effectiveness remains sparse. We sought to determine whether inhalation of cannabis decreases headache and migraine ratings as well as whether gender, type of cannabis (concentrate vs…
Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, 1 July 2016
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Medicine continues to struggle in its approaches to numerous common subjective pain syndromes that lack objective signs and remain treatment resistant. Foremost among these are migraine, fibromyalgia, and irritable bowel syndrome, disorders that may overlap in their affected p…
PLoS One, 12 March 2014
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BACKGROUND: The “classic” endocannabinoid (eCB) system includes the cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2, the eCB ligands anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), and their metabolic enzymes. An emerging literature documents the “eCB deficiency syndrome” as an etiology…
Neuroendocrinology Letters, April 2008
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OBJECTIVES: This study examines the concept of clinical endocannabinoid deficiency (CECD), and the prospect that it could underlie the pathophysiology of migraine, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, and other functional conditions alleviated by clinical cannabis. METHODS:…