CBD’s Potent Potential for Stroke Survivors

The World Health Organisation estimates that 15 million people worldwide suffer from strokes every year and, although 5 million people die from strokes, 5 million are left permanently disabled which leaves survivors having to cope with a greatly diminished way of life and exacts an enormous impact on families both emotionally and financially. 

Speaking to the Huffington Post, Dr Dale Webb, director of research and information at the Stroke Association UK notes that strokes are “The leading cause of adult disability in the UK, with more than half of all stroke survivors left dependent on others for everyday activities. With more people in the UK surviving a stroke, it’s never been more important to find new treatments to help more stroke patients make better recoveries.”

The same can be said worldwide where stroke survivors’ quality of life and family wellbeing would be greatly enhanced by some level of recovery. Indications are that CBD may be able to play a vital role in helping stroke sufferers regain function.

In particular, CBD is proving effective in the treatment is ischemic strokes, which is a type of stroke caused by a blockage in the artery leading to the stoppage of oxygen flow in the brain and is the kind of stroke experienced by 80% of stroke sufferers. When neurons in the brain are unable to get the oxygen and nutrients they need, they become damaged and may die off, leaving us with lasting neurological damage.

CBD has been found to support calcium ion handling, which is necessary for nerves to send electrical impulses. It also supports neuron metabolism which is how the neurons generate the energy they need to survive. A 2009 study, published in the Microvascular Research Journal, showed evidence that cannabis does have neuroprotective properties that can effectively help in dealing with the aftermath of a stroke. In a 2015 study that looked at the broader impact of CBD on a range of neurodegenerative disorders, it was found that CBD had preventative and therapeutic potential for stroke sufferers and that it played a role in managing the release of cytokines which creates massive inflammation. The CBD replaces the cytokines with minocycline, which greatly reduces swelling in the brain.

High blood pressure is one of the leading causes of strokes so it is also reassuring to know that CBD has the potential to play a preventative role in reducing blood pressure , in fact CBD has a significant impact on blood pressure after just one dose. The effect of CBD on human cannabinoid receptors also reduces damage caused by oxidative damage.

When the body is not producing enough oxygen a toxic by-product to replicate the role of oxygen but when these products are present for too long they can kill off cells. Anti-oxidants are then needed to prevent  these radical compounds from causing significant damage to the body and CBD is a powerful anti-oxidant.

As CBD works in a complex and unique way with the human body, it is hard to pinpoint exactly which CBD dose and solution to take in order to manage post-stroke health and it is suggested that a CBD trial phase is overseen by a medical professional. If CBD can help stroke victims regain more control over their lives, the pay-off for individual patients and their families is priceless. As always using a premium quality CBD product that has been lab tested is key to ensuring you’re getting what you are paying for and that the potential of this plant has the chance to work its magic. With more studies underway, it is hoped that CBD can bring hope and help to the millions whose lives have forever altered by a stroke.