Use of Medical Cannabis in Patients with Gilles de la Tourette’s Syndrome in a Real-World Setting

Dana Barchel, Orit Stolar, Tomer Ziv-Baran, Itai Gueta, Matitiahu Berkovitch, Elkana Kohn, Lihi Bar Lev Schleider

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Objective: Tourette’s syndrome (TS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by vocal and motor tics and other comorbidities. Clinical recommendations for the use of medical cannabis are established, yet further guidance is needed. The aim of this study was to describe the experience of patients with TS with medical cannabis. Materials and Methods: TS patients were recruited from a registry of patients (‘‘Tikun Olam’’ company). Questionnaires were answered before and after 6 months of treatment. Patients were divided into two groups: (A) patients who responded and (B) patients who did not respond to the follow-up questionnaire. In group A, an analysis was made to evaluate the presence and frequency of motor and vocal tics. The patients’ general mood, employment status, quality of life, and comorbidities were also included in the analysis. Results: Seventy patients were identified. The tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol mean daily dose was 123 and 50.5 mg, respectively. In group A, a statistically significant improvement was identified in quality of life (p < 0.005), employment status (p = 0.027), and in the reduction of the number of medications (p < 0.005). Sixty-seven percent and 89% of patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder and anxiety comorbidities, respectively, reported an improvement. No statistically significant improvement was identified in motor tics (p = 0.375), vocal tics (p > 0.999), tics frequency (p = 0.062), or general mood (p = 0.129). The most frequent adverse effects were dizziness (n = 4) and increased appetite (n = 3). Conclusion: Subjective reports from TS patients suggest that medical cannabis may improve their quality of life and comorbidities. More studies are needed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of medical cannabis. Registry in the MOH: https://www.moh.gov.sg/

Original languageAmerican English
Pages (from-to)293-299
Number of pages7
JournalCANNABIS AND CANNABINOID RESEARCH
Volume9
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Feb 2024

Keywords

  • Tourette’s syndrome
  • medical cannabis
  • motor
  • obsessive compulsive disorder
  • quality of life
  • vocal tics

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Pharmacology (medical)
  • Complementary and alternative medicine
  • Pharmacology

Cite this