Source: Sunday Telegraph (Australia)
Copyright: Sunday Telegraph 1998
Contact:  Sun, 29 Nov 1998
Secction: Page 37

NEW FIX FOR BRAIN DAMAGE IS CANNABIS

A FORM of cannabis may help prevent brain damage in head injury patients.

Scientists claim a version of the active ingredient in the illegal drug
could improve the chances of recovery for patients with head injuries.

Research shows a 25 per cent reduction in deaths of patients treated, and
some were able to lead a normal life afterwards.

It is thought that the drug, dexanabinol, works by blocking the harmful
effects of a chemical cascade released in the brain after head injury.

It appears to "mop up" the chemicals, which would otherwise trigger damage.

Dexanabinol is chemically similar to the active constituent in cannabis,
called THC, but without the mind-altering effects.

Trials involving 67 patients were carried out at six trauma centres in
Israel, backed by the drug's makers, Pharmos.

Thirty young, male road accident victims were given the drug and 37 an
inactive treatment within six hours of accident.

The drug reduced pressure within the brain to below the level at which
damage is likely, says a report in British medical journal, The Lancet.

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Checked-by: Pat Dolan