A survey of people with multiple sclerosis (MS) has found that a substantial number use cannabinoids to manage their pain.

According to researchers from Cork University Hospital and University College Cork, pain is often reported as a symptom of MS, with studies suggesting that those affected experience pain for an average of 77 hours per week, and 25% “enduring pain of severe intensity”.

However, many of those affected describe pain management as inadequate.

Research indicates that cannabinoids may be particularly effective in relieving neuropathic pain and the European Federation of Neurological Societies supports their use as a second-line treatment for this type of pain.

The pain experienced by people with MS can be neuropathic (somatosensory nervous system has been damaged), nociceptive (pain is due to actual/potential tissue injury) or a mixture of both.

However, the researchers pointed out that studies into cannabinoid use for MS-related pain have been mixed, with some finding them useful and others suggesting this is only a short-term effect.

They surveyed 101 adults attending neurology outpatient appointments at Cork University Hospital. The average age of participants was 51 years and 63% were female.

Of the 101 participants, 60 had experienced MS-related pain and among these, 30% had used cannabinoids to treat this pain. At the time of the survey 15% of the 60 patients were still using cannabinoids.

Just two people who had used cannabinoids to treat their pain had experienced any adverse effects, with both reporting paranoia.

The most popular delivery method was a vaporiser (25%), followed by a dropper (13%) and smoked as a cigarette (12%). Some 10% said they used cannabinoids several times a day.

The plant form of cannabis was reported as more effective than cannabinoid extracts and the researchers suggested that this is because the plant form contains other potentially biologically active agents that may have analgesic properties that are not present in extract preparations.

This is the first study to look at the use of cannabinoids among an Irish population of people with MS. The researchers said that future studies should examine the long-term safety of the use of such products.

The findings also suggest that “healthcare professionals should be aware of the use of these products by people with MS and should be willing to discuss the utilisation of this substance with their patients”.

The study is published in the Irish Medical Journal.