> HEAD INJURY TRIAL FOR CANNABIS-TYPE DRUG

July 30, 2003

>

> PATIENTS with major head injuries are being given a cannabis-type drug

> to discover if it can limit brain damage.

> Doctors at the Western General Hospital in Edinburgh are taking part

> in international tests of new drug dexanabinol.

> Based on chemicals found in cannabis, it is hoped it can improve the

> outcome for victims of road accidents and assaults.

> Serious head injuries are the most common cause of death and

> disability in young Britons.

> The drug stops chemical changes caused by head injuries which make the

> brain "self-destruct".

> Consultant s said: "Early trials on around 150 patients

> showed that brain swelling was much less in patients who were given

> it."

> A total of 1000 patients will be taking part in the trial in 69

> medical centres across Europe and the US

>

Later,

Liz

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