Relationship of Time of Injury Marijuana Exposure and Traumatic Brain Injury: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a significant nursing concern, as it is a leading cause of mortality, morbidity, and disability in the United States. Notably, up to 51% of all TBI patients have substance use exposure at the time of injury. Marijuana remains the most widely used illicit drug in the United States. However, little is known about marijuana exposure and TBI incidence and severity, particularly at the time of injury. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines in PubMed to determine the relationship between marijuana exposure and TBI severity. Heterogeneity of study designs, concepts, samples, and variables in included studies precluded a meta-analysis. Hence, a descriptive analysis of findings was conducted. Results: The search yielded 939 studies, of which eight met inclusion criteria. Only one study found a connection between positive marijuana toxicology screen and mortality outcomes in TBI patients. There was significant variation in how marijuana exposure was defined, conceptualized, and operationalized in the other studies. Conclusions: This review identified the need for larger, better-designed studies to address the significant knowledge gap about the relationship between marijuana use and its influence on TBI. Data and knowledge derived from such studies can help inform policy and aid in the development of nursing interventions that target prevention and increase awareness of TBI risk when under the influence of marijuana.

Psychedelics for Brain Injury: A Mini-Review

“…Though these are a novel class of drugs deserving close study, more data are necessary to prove their efficacy for treatment of brain injury, as historically many compounds have seemed promising in vitro , including likely hundreds of compounds thought to facilitate neuroplasticity and neuroprotection, but have not borne out in clinical trials ( 61 , 62 ). There is already mixed evidence to suggest the use of non-classical psychedelics ketamine ( 63 , 64 ), as well as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) ( 65 , 66 ) and cannabidiol ( 67 , 68 ), as neuroprotectants after TBI and stroke. Presence of THC on urine drug screen is associated with decreased mortality in adult patients sustaining TBI ( 65 ).…”