Reduction in Seizure Frequency
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Cannabidiol, commonly known as CBD, has gained substantial attention in both the medical community and among individuals dealing with epilepsy. With the increasing availability of CBD-based products and the ongoing search for effective seizure management strategies, it is important to discuss the impact of CBD on epilepsy and what current research reveals about its potential benefits and risks.
What is the Impact of CBD on Epilepsy?
The impact of CBD on epilepsy has become a highlight in cannabis-related research, particularly following anecdotal accounts and some scientific studies suggesting its effectiveness in reducing seizure frequency and intensity in people with certain types of epilepsy.
What Does the Research Say About How It Works?
CBD is a non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis plants that, unlike its counterpart THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), does not produce a 'high.' Researchers believe that CBD may reduce seizures by influencing various biological systems in the body that are known to play roles in epilepsy. These include modulating neuronal excitability and inflammation, as well as possibly interacting with systems that regulate neuronal health and function.
One of the primary mechanisms through which CBD is thought to affect the nervous system is via the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which plays a key role in maintaining balance in the body (homeostasis). By interacting with the ECS, CBD may help to stabilize the neurological environment and reduce the likelihood of seizure activity.
How Does CBD Impact Epileptic Seizures?
The landmark approval of Epidiolex (a prescription CBD product) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating two rare forms of childhood epilepsy, Dravet syndrome, and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, set a precedent for using CBD as a seizure management tool. Clinical trials leading up to this approval revealed that CBD could significantly decrease the number of seizures in individuals with these conditions.
What are the Benefits of Using CBD if You are Epileptic
Witnessed benefits of using CBD for epileptic seizures include:
- Reduction in Seizure Frequency: Numerous studies suggest that CBD can lower the frequency of seizures, especially in drug-resistant epilepsies.
- Improved Quality of Life: Patients report improved mood, alertness, and sleep patterns, contributing to overall life quality.
- Potential Reduction in Medication Side Effects: Some patients find that CBD allows them to lower doses of other antiepileptic drugs, thereby reducing the side effects associated with those medications.
Are There Risks?
As with any treatment, the use of CBD is not without potential risks or side effects. These may include fatigue, changes in weight or appetite, and diarrhea. Additionally, CBD can interact with other medications, particularly those that are metabolized by the liver's cytochrome P450 enzymes, leading to changes in the efficacy or potency of certain drugs.
What Do Doctors Think About CBD and Epilepsy?
The medical community is cautiously optimistic about CBD's potential for treating epilepsy. While many doctors recognize its promise, particularly in cases where patients have not responded well to traditional treatments, there is also a consensus on the need for more comprehensive research to fully understand how CBD works, optimal dosing, long-term side effects, and its interactions with other medications.
NOTE: Healthcare professionals recommend that patients interested in using CBD for epilepsy engage in an open discussion with their doctors and consider it as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
Sources
To provide credible insights on CBD and its impact on epileptic seizures, this post references peer-reviewed scientific research, including but not limited to:
- Devinsky, O., et al. (2017). Trial of Cannabidiol for Drug-Resistant Seizures in the Dravet Syndrome. The New England Journal of Medicine.
- Thiele, E. A., et al. (2018). Cannabidiol in patients with seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (GWPCARE4): a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 trial. The Lancet.
- Gaston, T. E., & Szaflarski, J. P. (2018). Cannabis for the Treatment of Epilepsy: an Update. Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports.
Conclusion
It's crucial for readers and patients to consider that while the landscape of medical cannabis, particularly CBD, is evolving rapidly, scientific exploration into its efficacy and safety is still underway. Always consult with a healthcare professional before beginning or adjusting any treatment for epilepsy.
John "Johnny P" Pacheco
The founder of Inspiro, LLC – "Johnny P" — is committed to offering the finest quality products at reasonable prices. In fact, we test every batch of CBD for purity. Our focus is on CBD Isolate and related products that are THC-free, as well as education and learning about CBD and its uses and impact on our lives.
