Treating pain related to Ehlers-Danlos syndrome with medical cannabis

BMJ Case Rep. 2021 Jul 22;14(7):e242568. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2021-242568.

Abstract

We present the case of an 18-year-old woman who suffered from complications of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS). Her pain was poorly controlled despite being on a myriad of analgesic medications at the time. On initiating cannabinoid-based treatment, her pain was drastically reduced, immediately enhancing the patient's quality of life. As the patient continued to self-administer, she was able to eliminate her opioid requirement. Considering the recent legalisation, we underline the need for physicians to be educated regarding the use of cannabinoids. In this case, specifically for chronic pain stemming from hypermobile EDS. Furthermore, we review the various impediments preventing ease of access to this potentially beneficial treatment.

Keywords: connective tissue disease; disability; health economics; musculoskeletal syndromes; physiotherapy (rehabilitation).

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Analgesics
  • Chronic Pain* / drug therapy
  • Chronic Pain* / etiology
  • Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome* / complications
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Medical Marijuana* / therapeutic use
  • Quality of Life

Substances

  • Analgesics
  • Medical Marijuana