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Updated: Mar 15, 2026
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Generating Acute and Chronic Experimental Models of Motor Tic Expression in Rats
Published on: May 27, 2021
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Severe motor and vocal tics controlled with Sativex®
David Trainor1, Lois Evans1, Rupert Bird2
1Psychiatry Registrar, Department of Psychiatry, Tauranga Hospital, Tauranga, New Zealand.
Summary
Cannabinoid treatment, including Tetrahydocannabinol and cannabidiol, significantly reduced tics in a patient with treatment-resistant Tourette syndrome (TS). This case report suggests cannabinoids may be a viable option for severe TS cases.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Tourette syndrome (TS) is a neurological disorder characterized by involuntary motor and vocal tics.
- Treatment-resistant TS poses a significant challenge, necessitating exploration of novel therapeutic avenues.
Observation:
- A single case report details the administration of Sativex®, a cannabinoid-based medication containing Tetrahydocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).
- The subject received 10.8 mg THC and 10 mg CBD daily via oro-mucosal spray for four weeks.
- Assessments included subjective (Yale Global Tic Severity Scale) and objective (Original Rush Videotape Rating Scale) measures of tic severity.
Findings:
- Both subjective and objective assessments revealed a marked reduction in the frequency and severity of motor and vocal tics.
- High interrater reliability was observed in the objective video ratings, supporting the robustness of the findings.
Implications:
- The results indicate that cannabinoids may be a safe and effective treatment option for individuals with treatment-resistant Tourette syndrome.
- Further research, including larger clinical trials, is warranted to substantiate these preliminary findings and explore the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids in TS management.
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