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Specialist Courses: Neurological

  • 6 Lessons
  • 45–60 mins
  • Video explainers, interactive anatomy diagrams, and knowledge-check assessment.

Designed for specialist prescribers and clinicians, this advanced module evaluates the evidence base for medical cannabis across a spectrum of neurological disorders.

You will examine the role of the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) in modulating neural activity and critical data – ranging from rigorous RCTs for licensed indications (Dravet and Lennox-Gastaut syndromes, MS spasticity) to emerging Real-World Data (RWD) for off-label use in movement and sleep disorders.

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What will you learn?

By the end of this course you will be able to:

  • Differentiate between the robust evidence for licensed therapies (Epidyolex®, Sativex®) and the emerging data for unlicensed products.
  • Explain the mechanisms by which phytocannabinoids modulate neuronal excitability and seizure thresholds.
  • Critically appraise the evidence for medical cannabis in Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, and Insomnia.
  • Select appropriate formulations based on patient-specific factors including dexterity, swallowing ability, and cognitive function.
  • Apply specific titration protocols for childhood epilepsy and MS-related spasticity

Who is this for?

  • Neurologists and Paediatric Neurologists
  • Palliative Care Physicians
  • Specialist Prescribers
  • GPs with a special interest in Neurology
  • Pharmacists managing complex neurological prescriptions

What’s included?

  • Deep dives into Childhood Epilepsy and Multiple Sclerosis.
  • Interactive visualisations of ECS receptor sites in the brain and spinal cord.
  • Critical appraisal of key studies (Cochrane Reviews, VER-01).
  • Downloadable reference cards for Licensed Therapies and Titration.
  • Final assessment and certificate of completion.

Lessons in this course

1.

Overview of Medical Cannabis for Neurology

Establish the biological rationale for treatment. Explore how the ECS acts as a "master regulator" of homeostasis and differentiate between the robust evidence for licensed therapies and the emerging data for broader indications.

The Endocannabinoid System in Neurology

Licensed vs. Unlicensed Indications

The “Unmet Need” in Neurology

2.

Childhood Epilepsy

Focus on the strongest evidence base in neurology. Review the RCT data for Epidyolex® in Dravet and Lennox-Gastaut syndromes, and examine the observational evidence for Δ9-THC augmentation in refractory cases.

Drug-Resistant Epilepsy: The Challenge

Mechanisms: Modulating Excitability

Evidence Base: Epidyolex® & CBD

Safety: The CBD-Clobazam Interaction

3.

Movement Disorders

Navigate the complex evidence for Parkinson’s and Huntington’s disease. Understand why current data does not support treatment for primary motor symptoms, and evaluate the rationale for managing non-motor burden including anxiety and sleep.

Parkinson’s & Huntington’s Disease

Evidence Review: Motor vs. Non-Motor

Managing Symptom Clusters

Limitations of Current Research

4.

Insomnia and Sleep Disorders

Explore the interaction between the ECS and sleep architecture. Review inconsistent RCT findings against real-world data, and understand the biphasic effects of cannabinoids to guide dosing strategies for insomnia.

The Role of the ECS in Sleep

Evidence Review: RCTs vs. Real-World Data

Dosing Strategies (Biphasic Effects)

Safety & Tolerance

5.

Multiple Sclerosis

Review the most established indication for medical cannabis. Examine the mechanism of nabiximols (Sativex®) in spasticity, and evaluate the evidence for treating MS-associated pain and neuroinflammation.

Pathophysiology & Spasticity

Evidence Base: Sativex® & Cannabis

Managing Associated Symptoms (Pain/Bladder)

Safety & Nabiximols Specifics

6.

Prescribing for Neurological Conditions

Translate theory into practice. Master specific titration schedules for licensed products, learn to select formulations based on patient dexterity and swallowing ability, and manage safety for cannabis-naïve and paediatric patients.

Formulation Selection (Dexterity & Swallowing)

Titration: Epidyolex® & Sativex®

Unlicensed Dosing Protocols

Monitoring, Safety & Driving

Other available modules

Alongside this course, the Foundations of Medical Cannabis pathway includes additional courses that expand on history, biology, and clinical practice. Each is short, [[CPD_ACCREDITED_COMMA]]and designed to build confidence step by step.

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