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Brain Injury and Pot Use

batailleseyes

Bluelighter
Joined
Sep 29, 2004
Messages
472
Location
Minneapolis
I suffered a brain injury 4 years ago. How I got the brain injury? I had surgery on my back, it wet well. I stayed in the hospital for a few days. Nurses came in from time to time cleaning the wound. I got released. That night I was sitting at home and begun to feel sick and disoriented. My wife rushed me to emergency room. There I sat for 7 hours waiting to see a doctor. By the time they got to me, I was unresponsive, pupils dialated, rigidity setting in: I was dying. They rushed into surgery where I had holes drilled in head (for the swelling) and they immediately put me into an induced coma and waited to see if I would survive.

Well, I did. But when I awoke I couldn't speak, breath on my own, eye problems etc. etc.

4 years later I'm able to speak, walk, run etc. etc.. There are short term memory issues. What I want to know is it acceptable for me to smoke pot twice a month. I feel I'm up to it.
My wife want's to see a therapist first. Which I more than willing to do. Do you (people who know science, particularly human biology, brain sciences, etc.) feel this is a safe idea. I really want some honest answers, not just "Dude, do what you want." Thank you.
 
Marijuana is quite likely to exacerbate short term memory problems.

To be perfectly honest, I wouldn't do it without speaking to your physician. Nobody here can give you a practical answer without actually seeing your medical records and the nature of the injury.

I will say, however, that marijuana's cerebral effects have time and time again been demonstrated to be benign.
 
Yes I think it would be perfectly fine if all that's currently wrong is mild cognitive deficits (your post seems well thought out so it can't be that bad).

I would not ask your doctor, but get as much info about your condition as possible and ask another medical professional not involved in your care so you don't get stigmatized as a drug user. I am certain it would be perfectly fine - I just can't see it being a problem.

However better safe than sorry, so get a medical opinion from a doctor. There are forums run by doctors that you can go to rather than asking on a forum like this. If it were me and there's not any significant info you've left out that would be relevant, I would just do it. Cannabis is extremely safe indeed in that respect. If you wish, just take it easy to begin with and build up the dose to see how you get on.
 
I skimmed this as I am about to board a flight....
but smoking mainly fucks with your hippocampus, for about 8 hours before it fades in it's majority. You're memory will get a little fucked up or a bit. That's really the biggest extent of the matter.
 
Forget seeing a therapist and seek out a good personal injury lawyer! Why should back surgery cause you swelling of the brain after you are released?
 
Thank You

All fine responses to my question. Now it's up to my wife. I'll make the appointment and see how it goes. By the way, I did get a attorney and the hospital will be sending me a big check in about a month. 4 years it took me to reach this point. And, now, it's finally over.

Again thanks for the responses.

Batailleseyes
 
Probably not too good for short term memory, but at twice a month unless you're smoking a ounce to yourself you'd probably be pretty good. Aside from that, cannabis is fairly benign in most cases so if you feel it doesn't harm you at all continue if not stop.

I really can't tell you what else unless we went ridiculously deep into your condition.
Also, see a malpractice lawyer!
 
"Cannabinoids and Brain Injury: Therapeutic Implications

Raphael Mechoulam, David Panikashvili and Esther Shohami

Mounting in vitro and in vivo data suggest that the endocannabinoids anandamide and 2-arachidonoyl glycerol, as well as some plant and synthetic cannabinoids, have neuroprotective effects following brain injury. Cannabinoid receptor agonists inhibit glutamatergic synaptic transmission and reduce the production of tumour necrosis factor-and reactive oxygen intermediates, which are factors in causing neuronal damage. The formation of the endocannabinoids anandamide and 2-arachidonoyl glycerol is strongly enhanced after brain injury, and there is evidence that these compounds reduce the secondary damage incurred. Some plant and synthetic cannabinoids, which do not bind to the cannabinoid receptors, have also been shown to be neuroprotective, possibly through their direct effect on the excitatory glutamate system and/or as antioxidants."


Sounds like it might be helpful.
 
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