Kamila Saramak

Department of Neurology, Hochzirl Hospital

Kamila Saramak, MD, is a neurology resident in the Department of Neurology at the Hochzirl Hospital in Austria. She graduated from the Medical University of Warsaw in 2018. She completed her education with a variety of trainings organized by the German Neurological Society (DGN) as well as the American Academy of Neurology (AAN). Her main areas of interest are movement disorders and neuropharmacology. She is the author of several publications and book chapters, mainly dedicated to the use of cannabis-based medicine in neurological disorders.

3chapters authored

Chapters authored

Endocannabinoid System as a New Therapeutic Avenue for the Treatment of Huntington’s Disease

By Kamila Saramak and Natalia Szejko

Huntington’s disease (HD) is a progressive, neurodegenerative disorder manifested by chorea as well as a variety of psychiatric abnormalities. Up to this date, only symptomatic treatment exists. Therefore, there is an urgent need for further therapies. Several neuroanatomical circuits are involved in the pathophysiology of HD, mainly the dopaminergic system. Animal studies and limited studies in humans have shown that abnormalities in the endocannabinoid system could also play an important role in the pathophysiology of HD. These findings have important clinical implications since cannabis-based medicines could potentially be used in the treatment of HD. The aim of this chapter is to summarize the current state of the research regarding the involvement of the endocannabinoid system in HD.

Part of the book: From Pathophysiology to Treatment of Huntington's Disease

The Endocannabinoid System as a Potential Therapeutic Target for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

By Kamila Saramak and Natalia Szejko

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by a selective loss of motor neurons from the spinal cord, brainstem and motor cortex. With a prevalence of about 5.5–9.9 per 100,000 persons, ALS is the most common form of motor neuron disease (MND). Although the mechanisms underlying the pathophysiology of this condition are not yet fully understood, it is believed that excitotoxicity, inflammation and oxidative stress play an important role in selective motor neuron death. Despite intensive research, up to this point no cure for ALS has been identified. There is increasing evidence that cannabinoids, due to their anti-glutamatergic and anti-inflammatory actions, may show neuroprotective effects in ALS patients and slow the progression of the disease. Furthermore, cannabis-based medicine may be useful in managing symptoms like pain, spasticity or weight loss. The aim of this chapter is to summarize the current state of research regarding the efficacy and safety of medical cannabis in the treatment of ALS.

Part of the book: Motor Neurons

Introductory Chapter: Motor Neurons – New Insights

By Kamila Saramak and Natalia Szejko

Part of the book: Motor Neurons

Kamila Saramak

Chapters authored

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