title: The effect of cannabinoids on the stretch reflex in multiple sclerosis spasticity.
abstract: The aim of this observational study was to assess the efficacy of a tetrahydrocannabinol-cannabidiol (THC : CBD) oromucosal spray on spasticity using the stretch reflex in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Numeric rating scale (NRS) for spasticity, modified Ashworth scale (MAS), and the stretch reflex were assessed before and during treatment in 57 MS patients with spasticity eligible for THC : CBD treatment. A significant reduction in stretch reflex amplitude as well as significant reductions of NRS and MAS scores were observed. There was a low concordance between the three measures (stretch reflex, NRS, and MAS), likely related to the different aspects of muscle hypertonia assessed. Stretch reflex responders were taking a significantly higher number of puffs, whereas no differences were found in the responders by the other scales, suggesting that a higher dosage would add benefit if tolerated. The present study confirms the efficacy of cannabinoids in reducing spasticity in patients with MS, suggesting a higher sensitivity and specificity of the stretch reflex compared with other measures. As an objective and quantitative measure of spasticity, the stretch reflex is particularly useful to assess the effects of cannabinoids on spinal excitability and may play a role in future pharmacological studies.
authors.affiliation: aDepartment of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, Institute of Neurology, University of Genova, Genova bAcademic Neurology Unit, A. Fiorini Hospital, Terracina cDepartment of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Polo Pontino dNeurology Unit, Policlinico Umberto I, Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome eDepartment of Neurology, San Paolo Hospital, Savona, Italy.
authors.forename: Lucio
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Marinelli
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Mori
authors.forename: Stefania
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Canneva
authors.forename: Federica
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Colombano
authors.forename: Antonio
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Currà
authors.forename: Francesco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Fattapposta
authors.forename: Fabio
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Bandini
authors.forename: Elisabetta
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Capello
authors.forename: Giovanni
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Abbruzzese
authors.forename: Carlo
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Trompetto
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000700:Analgesics / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002185:Cannabidiol / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002186:Cannabinoids / Q000008:administration & dosage; D013759:Dronabinol / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004338:Drug Combinations; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009061:Mouth Mucosa / Q000187:drug effects; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D009128:Muscle Spasticity / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D012026:Reflex, Stretch / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000700:Analgesics; D002186:Cannabinoids; D004338:Drug Combinations; D002185:Cannabidiol; D013759:Dronabinol; C587251:nabiximols