An MRI machine in motion at Neuroscience Analysis Australia (NeuRA) in Randwick, Sydney.
In partnership with the Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, this world-first trial is analyzing whether or not the non-intoxicating element of hashish – cannabidiol (CBD) – is secure and efficient in decreasing neuropathic ache in folks with spinal twine harm.
“This research will use superior mind imaging strategies to determine and perceive the precise adjustments that happen within the mind after a spinal twine harm that result in the event of neuropathic ache,” stated PhD candidate and research coordinator Ms Rebecca Robertson from the College of Sydney’s Faculty of Medical Sciences.
“This research additionally goals to determine a biomarker that may predict whether or not a person will reply to CBD remedy, permitting for a extra individualised remedy.”
The trial shall be run at Neuroscience Analysis Australia (NeuRA) in Randwick, Sydney, a world-leading facility for mind imaging and spinal twine harm analysis.
Contributors will get to trial each CBD and a placebo in random order over two six-week intervals. Throughout every remedy interval, contributors shall be requested to price their ache and put on a wrist-worn machine to measure their sleep. Earlier than and after every remedy interval, contributors will attend NeuRA to finish a mind scan, questionnaires, and blood assortment.
“If efficient, this trial will present gold-standard proof to assist using CBD for sufferers with neuropathic ache following spinal twine harm. It might probably additionally assist to tell and in the end change coverage surrounding the prescription of medicinal hashish for the remedy of neuropathic ache and enhance affected person entry,” stated Professor McGregor.
“Success of this trial would trailblaze future analysis on the advantages of CBD in different neuropathic ache situations which, very like neuropathic ache following spinal twine harm, stay undertreated and misunderstood.”
Contributors have to be over the age of 18 years with power neuropathic ache following a identified spinal twine harm and be keen to journey to Sydney metropolis on 4 events.
To search out out extra in regards to the SCAN trial, go to: https://bit.ly/SCAN_study. To get entangled, name 0439 804 551 or e-mail scan_study@sydney.edu.au. Restricted areas can be found for the research.