Cannabis analgesia in chronic neuropathic pain is associated with altered brain connectivity
Neurology September 5, 2018 L. Weizman, L. Dayan, S. Brill et al.
THC reduces chronic neuropathic pain by decreasing functional connectivity between the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and the sensorimotor cortex, as well as reducing network connectivity in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with 15 patients, THC significantly lowered pain compared to placebo. The degree of connectivity reduction predicted individual pain relief, suggesting that baseline brain connectivity may serve as a biomarker for THC analgesic response. The effect appears mediated by a functional disconnection between cognitive-emotional regulatory regions and somatosensory areas.