Assessing the influence of chronic cannabis use on postural control and brain function in people with multiple sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a disabling neurological disease that can significantly affect an individual’s ability to safely and effectively carry out daily activities. Many people with MS (PwMS) experience balance problems and are at a greater risk of falling. Some PwMS use cannabis to manage their disease symptoms like pain and anxiety, but we do not fully understand how cannabis use may affect their balance and brain function. This study looked at how long-term cannabis use may influence balance and brain health in PwMS. We studied twenty-four PwMS, some who regularly used cannabis and some who did not. We tested their ability to stand still in different conditions, such as standing with eyes closed or on soft surfaces. We also took brain scans to examine the size and activity of specific brain areas related to movement and balance.

We found that cannabis users swayed more from side to side when standing in the most difficult condition, suggesting worse balance and higher fall risk. Brain scans showed that cannabis users had differences in the size and function of areas in the brain that help with movement, coordination, and balance. In particular, some areas of the brain that are important for stabilizing posture and balance were either overactive or underactive. These findings suggest that chronic cannabis use might make balance worse in PwMS and may change how certain brain areas work. This research could help patients and healthcare providers make better decisions about cannabis use in MS treatment and fall prevention.