Intractable Migraines (Unresponsive To Other Treatment)
Migraines headaches that cause throbbing pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound to the sufferer are called intractable migraine or status migraine. The symptoms can be severe enough to require a hospital visit for treatment.
One hallmark of status migraines that set them apart from other headaches is that they are an especially severe and long-lasting form of headache. While status migraine headaches affect less than one percent of people with migraines, they’re intense and debilitating for those who deal with them. Traditional migraine medicines like triptans and ergots often won’t cut through the pain of an intractable status migraine headaches.
While a small study found that steroids improved pain in people with status migraines, long-term steroid use can cause side effects like weight gain, weakened bones, and trouble sleeping. Patients with diabetes may not be able to take steroids.
How can Medical Marijuana Helps Patients with Intractable Migraines
A November 2019 study indicated that cannabis might reduce migraine and headache severity by as much as 50 percent and that cannabis use does not exacerbate headaches or migraines over time. Further evidence has shown that the endocannabinoid system can directly reduce migraine pain when activated by a patient using cannabis.