Compare the Best CBD for AVM in 2022

How CBD May Help With AVM

An AVM or an arteriovenous malformation is the untypical tangling of blood vessels connected to arteries and veins. Tangled blood vessels obstruct oxygen circulation and normal blood flow⁽¹⁾.

Arteriovenous malformations that usually develop in the brain or spine⁽²⁾ are called brain AVM. Tangled blood vessels have a high risk of rupturing and may cause brain bleeding, stroke, and brain damage.  

Meanwhile, AVMs that occur in the arms, heart, lungs, liver, or genital system are referred to as peripheral arteriovenous malformation⁽³⁾.

The symptoms of AVM differ depending on its location. Symptoms may include headaches, back pain, nausea and vomiting, numbness and sudden pains, weakness in the lower extremities, and seizures⁽⁴⁾.  

No medication has been approved to cure AVM. While surgery is one option, the usual treatment for the condition is to manage AVM symptoms⁽⁵⁾.

Research has noted that cannabidiol, more popularly called CBD, has potential therapeutic properties that may help reduce various chronic pain such as neuropathic and inflammatory pain⁽⁶⁾.

CBD may also have anti-nausea and anti-emetic (anti-vomiting) benefits⁽⁷⁾.

According to research investigating the effects of cannabidiol on type 2 diabetes in animal models, CBD may also help increase blood flow in animal models of stroke⁽⁸⁾. This property may benefit individuals with AVM.

AVMs can disrupt normal blood flow. If the AVM in the brain ruptures, brain bleeding may occur, eventually leading to stroke⁽⁹⁾.

Even though the study was performed on animals, CBD’s possible therapeutic benefits may extend to humans.

Humans and animals, apart from insects, possess an endocannabinoid system (ECS) and may have similarities with respect to the organ systems and cellular processes⁽¹⁰⁾.

The ECS is responsible for regulating and controlling most critical bodily functions like memory, pain control, and inflammatory and immune responses⁽¹¹⁾.

The system comprises cannabinoid receptors 1 and 2 (CB1 and CB2), located in the immune and nervous systems.

CB1 receptors regulate pain sensations, whereas CB2 helps with anti-inflammatory responses⁽¹²⁾.

These two receptors can create analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects when they interact with CBD⁽¹³⁾.

Benefits of Using CBD for AVM

A study in 2020 discussed the effectiveness of CBD in relieving symptoms of peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities⁽¹⁴⁾.

Results showed that the transdermal application of CBD may reduce the pain and other unbearable sensations experienced by individuals with peripheral neuropathy⁽¹⁵⁾. 

Numbness, tingling of limbs, and sudden pains are symptoms of peripheral neuropathy and AVM^(16-17).

Other prevalent symptoms of arteriovenous malformation are nausea, vomiting, and headaches⁽¹⁸⁾.

A study noted that cannabidiol may suppress the sensation of nausea and vomiting in individuals undergoing chemotherapy⁽¹⁹⁾.

Furthermore, several studies have suggested that medical cannabis, which contains active ingredients like CBD and THC, possesses therapeutic effects that may alleviate migraines and headaches⁽²⁰⁾.

A study has also hypothesized CBD’s beneficial effects on seizures⁽²¹⁾. This property may help Individuals with AVM control their movements and manage their seizures⁽²²⁾.

However, seizures caused by AVM are not the same variation of seizures that cannabidiol is officially authorized to treat.

Epidiolex has been the only CBD-derived antiseizure drug officially approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)⁽²³⁾. 

This medication is prescribed to treat two rare forms of childhood epilepsy, Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome⁽²⁴⁾.

Apart from surgery, there is no direct way of treating AVM. However, individuals may take medications to manage the various symptoms, such as back pain, headaches, and seizures caused by the condition⁽²⁵⁾. 

How to Take CBD Oil for AVM 

CBD oil is available in different forms for managing symptoms of AVM, including: 

• Topical application: CBD topicals such as creams, balms, and salves are directly applied onto the skin for localized pain relief⁽²⁶⁾.

These products may be used for AVM symptoms such as back pain, numbness, and sudden pains⁽²⁷⁾. 

• Inhalation method: CBD may be inhaled through smoking or vaping. 

Inhalation is the quickest method for an individual to feel the benefits of CBD⁽²⁸⁾.

However, vaping is linked to potential health risks such as lung irritation and pulmonary diseases⁽²⁹⁾.

• Sublingual administration: CBD oils or CBD tinctures are administered under the tongue using an oromucosal spray or dropper. 

This method may be best for AVM symptoms like nausea or vomiting as it allows the compound to bypass the gastrointestinal tract and directly enter your bloodstream⁽³⁰⁾. 

• Oral administration: Edibles, gummies, and pills are examples of orally taken CBD products.

How Long Does CBD Take to Help With AVM? 

There are no studies indicating how long it takes before an individual starts to feel the biological effects of CBD for AVM. 

The onset time may depend on several factors, such as a person’s weight, CBD administration method, and CBD potency. 

CBD tinctures may take 15 to 30 minutes before the compound takes effect due to its direct entry into the bloodstream⁽³¹⁾. Meanwhile, CBD edibles may take effect within 30 to 90 minutes⁽³²⁾. 

CBD inhalation through smoking or vaping offers the quickest onset time. It usually takes 15 to 30 minutes before the compound takes effect⁽³³⁾.

However, vaping may lead to lung irritation or severe pulmonary diseases⁽³⁴⁾, so caution is advised.

CBD topical products such as CBD creams and balms may also be taken for some symptoms of AVM. Topicals usually have an onset time of 15 to 30 minutes⁽³⁵⁾.

It is highly encouraged to speak with your physician or an experienced medical professional before taking CBD for AVM or any medical conditions. 

How Long Will CBD Help With AVM?

No specific research has determined how long the effects of CBD in the body can last to help with AVM and its symptoms.

Cannabidiol may linger in your system depending on the CBD dosage, frequency of use, and administration method⁽³⁶⁾.

CBD Dosage for AVM

The FDA or the Food and Drug Administration has not approved CBD as an AVM treatment⁽³⁷⁾. Thus, there is no standard CBD dosage for this medical condition. 

According to a study from the journal Current Drug Safety, humans can tolerate as much as 1,500mg of CBD per day⁽³⁸⁾.

Also, as a general rule, people who do not have prior experience with CBD should initially begin with low doses and gradually increase to higher doses if there are no major side effects⁽³⁹⁾.

Regardless, it is best to speak with healthcare professionals with a background in cannabis use and dosing. These professionals can advise you on the proper CBD dosage for AVM. 

How to Choose the Right CBD for AVM

Choosing the best CBD products for AVM can be challenging due to the various CBD brands available, particularly online. 

Here are pertinent factors you should consider before buying CBD to help manage AVM symptoms and improve overall wellness:

CBD Extracts

The three types of CBD oil extracts are: 

• Full-spectrum CBD oil 
• Broad-spectrum CBD oil 
• CBD isolate  

A full-spectrum CBD oil contains all the compounds of the cannabis plant, including other cannabinoids, essential oils, terpenes, and flavonoids⁽⁴⁰⁾.

Terpenes are the aromatic compounds in plants, including cannabis. Flavonoids are plant chemicals with supposed antioxidative and anti-inflammatory health benefits⁽⁴¹⁾. 

Full-spectrum CBD oil also contains less than 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

THC is the active compound of cannabis plants with psychoactive effects, making one feel a euphoric high⁽⁴²⁾.

Meanwhile, broad-spectrum CBD oil contains almost the same compounds and cannabinoids as a full-spectrum CBD oil, except for THC. 

Lastly, CBD isolates are a pure form of cannabidiol without other cannabinoids or compounds. 

People interested in experiencing the therapeutic effects of CBD without the psychoactive effects of THC may opt for broad-spectrum CBD oil. 

Third-Party Lab Testing  

The CBD brand you choose must employ the services of a third-party lab to evaluate all products, ensuring transparency and objectivity.

The third-party test results or certificates of analysis (COA) must match the CBD product labels to verify their authenticity.  

Trusted brands also show an ISO certification, a seal of approval from The International Organization for Standardization.

The ISO is an independent organization that has developed standards for products’ quality, safety, and efficacy⁽⁴³⁾.

Legality of CBD

The only CBD-derived medication that has been authorized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is Epidolex⁽⁴⁴⁾. 

Epidiolex is a CBD prescription drug for treating seizures associated with two rare forms of childhood epilepsy, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS), Dravet syndrome (DS). 

Most recently, the drug has also been endorsed to treat seizures linked to tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC)⁽⁴⁵⁾.

However, there are no current reports on Epidiolex and its effectiveness in seizures caused by AVM. Further research is needed on the other uses of the cannabis-derived drug.  

The 2018 Farm Bill legalized the use of medical marijuana and other cannabis derivatives if they contain less than 0.3% THC⁽⁴⁶⁾.

Hence, purchasing and using CBD products that contain more than 0.3% THC is is considered illegal⁽⁴⁷⁾.

Therefore, make sure to research and verify your state’s legislation regarding cannabis usage to avoid any possible legal repercussions. 

Risks and Side Effects of Using CBD for AVM

CBD is safe and well tolerated by humans⁽⁴⁸⁾. 

However, the compound may lead to minor side effects like dry mouth, diarrhea, drowsiness, and fatigue⁽⁴⁹⁾.

Furthermore, prescription medications such as opioids may be used for AVM⁽⁵⁰⁾. When taken alongside CBD, these compounds may cause increased drowsiness, accidental falls, and hazards when driving⁽⁵¹⁾.

Before you take CBD alongside any medications, it is best to speak with your doctor or a medical professional.

Overview of AVM

Diagnosing AVM

In order to diagnose AVM, doctors may perform tests such as⁽⁵²⁾:

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA)
• Cerebral angiography 
• Computerized tomography (CT scan)

What Should You Avoid If You Have AVM?

An individual with AVM should refrain from doing activities, like heavy lifting, which may increase blood pressure. Taking blood thinners such as warfarin should also be avoided⁽⁵³⁾. 

Scheduled regular checkups with a doctor are also highly encouraged for individuals with diagnosed AVM. 

Alternative Treatments for AVM

The main objective of AVM treatment is to prevent the risk of bleeding or hemorrhage from occurring⁽⁵⁴⁾. 

A non-invasive option for treating AVM may be medications. However, these are only for managing AVM symptoms like headaches, back pain, and seizures⁽⁵⁵⁾.

The three procedures for treating AVM are⁽⁵⁶⁾: 

• Surgery: Surgery is the prevalent treatment method for brain AVMs⁽⁵⁷⁾. 

The surgeon creates a small opening in the skull to access the brain and remove the abnormal arteries and veins caused by the AVM. 

This process redirects blood flow to normal vessels, preventing the AVM from bursting or leaking. 

• Embolization: This procedure involves using a very slim tube (catheter) and inserting a special glue into the AVM to reduce blood loss during the surgical procedure for the AVM. 
• Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). This procedure is not technically considered a surgery since there are no incisions. Rather, highly energized radiation beams target the AVM to mangle the blood vessels and create scarring. After one to three years, the scarred blood vessels will clot and break off⁽⁵⁸⁾.

After the procedure, you can resume your usual activities within 4 to 6 weeks. It may take 2 to 6 months to recover fully from AVM surgery⁽⁵⁹⁾. 

Your physician will diagnose and determine which treatment will be the most suitable for your condition. Factors to consider include your health, age, and the location of the abnormal blood vessels.