Tourette’s syndrome medical cannabis treatment
While only around 1% of people in the UK are estimated to have Tourette’s syndrome, it is a very well known condition that often has a major impact on the lives of those affected. Tourette’s syndrome can be greatly exacerbated in times of emotional stress, and lead to the development of mental health conditions like anxiety and OCD, and so it's extremely important that people receive effective treatment to help manage their symptoms. Recently, medical cannabis has emerged as a new potential option for those struggling with conventional treatments.
Contact usDisclaimer: The availability of consultations for Tourette’s syndrome depends on the availability of our specialist doctors. We encourage you to consult with our patient support team to determine if this treatment option is currently available.
1%
It's believed around 1% of the UK’s population is effected by Tourette's syndrome, and it is more common in men than in women.
85%
Of those with Tourette’s syndrome have comorbid conditions; most commonly ADHD, anxiety, and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD).
68%
Of UK adults would consider medical cannabis treatments if their doctor had recommended them, according to our representative research.
82%
Patients with Tourette syndrome reported a reduction or complete remission of motor and vocal tics in a small scale medical cannabis survey.
Symptoms
Blinking and/or eye rolling
Coughing
Jerking limbs or head
Repeating sounds, words, or phrases
Shoulder shrugging
Sudden movements and/or reaches
Throat clearing and/or grunting
Tongue clicking
If you are suffering from any of these symptoms. Please speak with your GP to find out more.
Treatment options:
There is no cure for Tourette’s syndrome, unfortunately, but treatments like behavioural therapy and medication can be prescribed to help people control their tics and better manage their symptoms.
Aripiprazole
Exposure with response prevention (ERP) therapy
Habit reversal training
Neuroleptics
Pimozide
Risperidone
Find out if you may be eligible for medical cannabis Tourette’s syndrome treatments here
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Whether you’re new to cannabis-based medicines, switching from another medical cannabis clinic, or self-medicating, we’ll put you back in control of your health.
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A word from our specialist
"Tourette's syndrome produces involuntary tics and vocalisations. Emerging research suggests medicinal cannabis might help reduce the frequency and severity of tics by interacting with the endocannabinoid system, improving patients' quality of life."
Dr Michal Modestowicz
Neurology
Find out if you may be eligible for medical cannabis Tourette’s syndrome treatments here
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Can medical cannabis treatments be prescribed for Tourette’s syndrome in the UK?
In the UK, specialist consultants that work for medical cannabis clinics like Releaf, can prescribe cannabis-based treatments for those struggling to relieve their Tourette’s syndrome symptoms using the conventional, licensed approaches offered on the NHS.
Medical cannabis is known to interact with the endocannabinoid system, which is responsible for regulating a whole host of biological responses - but it is not entirely clear how medical cannabis interacts with Tourette’s syndrome specifically.
However, it is known that medical cannabis can help the endocannabinoid system modify its typical responses to stress triggers, and interact with motor function - both of which could be extremely useful for patients with Tourette’s syndrome.
According to small scale patient surveys, people who have tried medical cannabis for Tourette symptom management note a reduction, or complete remission, of motor and vocal tics when cannabis has been applied.
One of the first thing patients often also note upon starting medical cannabis treatments is the improvement they have noticed in their anxiety, and ability to regulate emotional stress, which can prove extremely useful for patients.
Because evidence in this field is ongoing, it's important that medical cannabis Tourette’s syndrome treatments are carefully designed by qualified and experienced healthcare professionals, like those that work for Releaf, and they should always be monitored to ensure safety and efficacy.