Epilepsy &
Seizures
Research has shown Cannabidiol (CBD) in marijuana to be very effective for seizure relief and reduction because it works as an anti-convulsant. CBD also enhances the efficacy of several pharmaceutical medications prescribed for the treatment of seizures.
Condition Overview
Seizures occur when there is excessive and abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Nerve cells fire electrical pulses up to four times the normal rate during a seizure. Loss of consciousness, muscle spasms and convulsions may result.
Seizures usually come on suddenly, varying in duration and severity, and can be reoccurring or isolated. Multiple seizures are often diagnosed as a disorder such as epilepsy. Epilepsy is the fourth most common neurological condition, affecting about 65 million people worldwide.
Seizures are classified into two general categories and many subtypes based on the pattern of the attack. Generalized seizures involve both sides of the brain from the start of the attack and common subtypes include grand mal and petit mal. The second major seizure type is a partial, or focal, seizure which starts in a specific area of the brain and may be contained there or may spread.
Real Life Stories
At three months old, Charlotte Figi was diagnosed with Dravet Syndrome, a rare and catastrophic form of pediatric epilepsy. Her quality of life was limited due to the almost constant seizures that her mind and body were going through. At five years old, she couldn’t talk, walk, communicate or interact with anyone. Charlotte’s doctors were out of ideas. Nothing they tried was working. Then Charlotte’s parents heard about a strain of low-THC, high-CBD marijuana oil that helped another child with the same condition and decided to gave it a try. Charlotte immediately went from having 60 seizures per day to going 7 consecutive days without a seizure.
RELATED STUDIES
Interesting Fact
Some patients experience immediate seizure relief from medical cannabinoid therapies, according to research and anecdotal evidence.