CBD-Rich Hemp Oil Improved Quality of Life in Girls with Chronic Symptoms After HPV Vaccination | Research

The takeaway

In a small observational study of 12 young women with persistent symptoms after HPV vaccination, CBD-enriched hemp oil significantly improved physical functioning, vitality, social functioning, and pain over three months.

Readers interested in CBD for chronic pain and autonomic dysfunction.

8 of 12 participants completed treatment, with significant improvements in physical functioning and pain

What the researchers found

Twelve females aged 12 to 24 with severe somatoform and dysautonomic symptoms following HPV vaccination received escalating doses of sublingual CBD-rich hemp oil over three months, starting at 25 mg/kg per day and increasing to a maximum of 150 mg/ml per day.

Of the 12 participants, 8 completed the full treatment period. Two dropped out due to side effects and two stopped early because they saw no improvement. Among completers, quality of life scores improved significantly in physical functioning (p < 0.02), vitality (p < 0.03), and social role functioning (p < 0.02). Body pain also decreased significantly.

The improvements in emotional well-being did not reach statistical significance.

Why it matters

This is one of few studies examining CBD for dysautonomic syndrome, a condition characterized by dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system. While the results are encouraging for the patients who responded, the lack of a control group and the small sample size mean the findings should be interpreted cautiously.

The numbers in context

12 participants enrolled. 4 dropped out (2 for adverse events, 2 for lack of improvement). Starting dose: 25 mg/kg/day. Maximum dose: 150 mg/ml/day. Treatment duration: 3 months. Physical component score improved (p < 0.02). Vitality improved (p < 0.03). Social functioning improved (p < 0.02).

How the study worked

This was an open-label, retrospective, compassionate-use observational study with no control group. Patients received sublingual CBD-rich hemp oil with weekly dose escalation. Quality of life was measured using the SF-36 health survey questionnaire before and after the treatment period.

What this study cannot tell us

No control group, no blinding, and only 12 participants. One-third of participants dropped out. The retrospective, compassionate-use design introduces significant bias. The improvements observed could reflect placebo effects, natural symptom fluctuation, or other factors. The specific relationship between HPV vaccination and the reported symptoms remains debated in the medical literature.

How to read the evidence

Preliminary evidence from a very small, uncontrolled, open-label observational study without randomization or blinding.

When this study was published

Published in 2017. Small compassionate-use study.

The bigger picture

CBD continues to attract interest for conditions where conventional treatments fall short. Dysautonomic syndrome represents one such difficult-to-treat condition. This small study adds to the growing body of preliminary evidence suggesting CBD may have broad applications, but it also illustrates the need for controlled trials before drawing conclusions.

Questions still open

Would these results hold up in a randomized controlled trial with a placebo group? What specific mechanisms might explain CBD's effects on dysautonomic symptoms? Why did some patients respond while others saw no improvement?

Common questions

Does this prove CBD works for chronic pain conditions?

No. This was a very small study without a control group, so the improvements could be due to placebo effects or other factors. It provides preliminary evidence that warrants further controlled research.

What side effects caused dropouts?

The study reported that two participants experienced adverse events leading to discontinuation, but the specific side effects were not detailed in the abstract.

Read the original research

Short-Term Efficacy of CBD-Enriched Hemp Oil in Girls with Dysautonomic Syndrome after Human Papillomavirus Vaccination.

The Israel Medical Association journal : IMAJ, 19(2), 79-84

View on PubMed ↗

Citation

Palmieri, Beniamino; Laurino, Carmen; Vadalà, Maria. (2017). Short-Term Efficacy of CBD-Enriched Hemp Oil in Girls with Dysautonomic Syndrome after Human Papillomavirus Vaccination.. The Israel Medical Association journal : IMAJ, 19(2), 79-84.