CBD for Epilepsy

Christine Bell • January 9, 2019 • About CBD, Conditions

“FDA approves first marijuana-based epilepsy drug: CBD oil.” If you haven’t read the headline yet, it’s one of the most exciting new developments in healthcare to have come down the pipeline this year. Today we’re going to talk about the amazing results many people are experiencing from adopting a CBD for epilepsy regimen.

CBD for epilepsy at a glance

What the claims are: In certain doses, CBD oil can lessen the frequency, length, and severity of seizures in patients with epilepsy. Those adopting a CBD for epilepsy regimen can even experience a complete cessation of seizures.

What the studies show: Studies show that CBD has anticonvulsant properties that suggest a therapeutic potential in at least three of the four major types of epilepsy: grand mal, cortical focal, and complex partial seizures. In addition, surveys of parents with children suffering from severe and treatment-resistant epilepsy have shown that using CBD for epilepsy shows great promise.

What the facts say: Further research is needed to determine the full potential of using CBD for epilepsy, but studies and anecdotal evidence show that the anticonvulsant nature of cannabidiol suggests a therapeutic potential in at least three of the four major types of epilepsy: grand mal, cortical focal, and complex partial seizures.The FDA has also already approved the use of CBD to treat certain types of epilepsy.

What is epilepsy?

50 million people worldwide are currently suffering from epilepsy. Epilepsy is a central nervous system disorder in which the normal activity between nerve cells in the brain (called neurons) are disturbed. This causes seizures and sometimes loss of awareness. During a seizure, neurons fire simultaneously and at a much faster pace than usual.

Symptoms of seizures vary, causing some people to stare blankly for a few seconds while others might experience violent twitching of their arms and legs. After a seizure, during the postictal phase, people suffering from epilepsy may experience headaches, drowsiness, confusion, hypertension, and other unpleasant after-effects. Some people suffering from epilepsy can have as many as hundreds of seizures in a single day, making it impossible to live a normal life.

Epilepsy can affect anyone, regardless of age, sex, race, or ethnicity. Usually, a person must have more than one seizure to be diagnosed with epilepsy. While some people will require lifelong treatment to control their seizures, others, especially young people, can grow out of them.

While the exact cause of epilepsy in almost half the people diagnosed with this disorder is unknown, risk factors of include head injuries, family history, brain infections, and dementia. Epilepsy can cause early death and suicide rates are 22% higher in people suffering from this disorder than the general population.

How can CBD be used to help epilepsy?

2-year-old Jaelah Jerger was suffering from up to 30 seizures every day, with no end in sight. Her parents were devastated when the medication she was prescribed failed to help and turned to CBD oil after reading about it online. Within a week, Jaelah’s seizures were almost gone.

And Jaelah isn’t alone. The number of people finding relief by using CBD for epilepsy is growing every day. While some people suffering from this disorder find they have fewer or less intense seizures, many are reporting a complete cessation of seizure symptoms.

With as many as ⅓ of the people diagnosed with epilepsy finding themselves resistant to conventionally prescribed medications, the importance of finding new ways to combat seizures can’t be overstated. CBD for epilepsy is a major scientific breakthrough that may be the answer many of those suffering from this often-times debilitating disorder have been waiting for.

Are there any downsides of taking CBD for epilepsy?

The issue with current, conventional antiepileptic drugs is that they can be poorly tolerated and cause irritability, aggressive behavior, or insomnia. Additional common side effects can include drowsiness, stomach upset, dizziness, and blurred vision.

While utilizing CBD for epilepsy might not result in fewer seizures for everyone who tries it, there are very few potential side effects, and most people generally tolerate CBD without issue. Because of the large amount of evidence supporting its anticonvulsant properties, it shouldn’t be overlooked as a potential help for those suffering from epilepsy.

It’s also important to note, especially when discussing the use of CBD for epilepsy in children, that it is not considered to have addictive properties. And, while it is a compound derived from the cannabis plant, it won’t get you high. More studies and clinical trials on the long-term safety and efficacy of CBD for epilepsy still need to be done, but we’re excited about the possibilities.

Is CBD for epilepsy the right choice for me?

Many healthcare professionals are embracing the potential benefits of using CBD for epilepsy, especially with the FDA approval in June of 2018. Due to the fact that we’re seeing so many people reporting miraculous results, it’s definitely an option to consider. As always, you should discuss any potential changes to your healthcare regimen with your doctor.