Cannabinoids for the treatment of refractory neuropathic pruritus in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis A case report.
Neuropathic symptoms have a wide variety of manifestations, ranging from pain to pruritus. Neuropathic pruritus is a type of chronic pruritus related to damaged small fibers. Cannabinoids have evidence to manage neuropathic symptoms. We present a case of refractory neuropathic pruritus that was successfully managed with the use of oral cannabinoids. A 60-year-old male with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis with ongoing pruritus despite the use of standard neuropathic therapies. Sodium channel and A balanced oral cannabinoid from a licensed producer was preferred as it has evidence for neuropathic symptoms and is generally well tolerated. The patient showed improvement to his pruritus score from 710 to 310. There was initial increased sedation but tolerance developed quickly. Cannabinoids are possibly safe and effective in management of neuropathic pruritus. Additional research is needed to establish efficacy and safety.