Seizures are brought on by alterations in your brain’s electrical activity. Seizures can take many different forms, and a number of things can induce them, including:
- Epileptic infections of the brain
- Electrolyte imbalances
- Lack of sleep
- Drug overdose
- Serious brain damage
Chronic pain and anxiety issues are frequently treated with cannabidiol (CBD), a compound found in the cannabis plant. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), in contrast to CBD, does not cause euphoria or intoxication.
Certain kinds of seizures may respond well to the usage of CBD oil.
In this article, we’ll look at the most recent research findings as well as any possible drawbacks.
How much CBD oil is used to treat seizures?
It is unclear how CBD works to stop seizures.
Your body contains a network of neurotransmitters and receptors known as the endocannabinoid system trusted Source. This system is thought to help control immunological responses as well as biological processes like eating, sleep, and pain.
By interacting with endocannabinoid system receptors, CBD may change these activities.
Studies on animals suggest that CBD’s antiseizure properties may be due to its effects on the GPR55 and TRPV1 receptors, which reduce neuron excitability.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has currently approved the use of a prescription form of CBD called Epidolex to treat the unusual epilepsy conditions Lennox-Gastaut and Dravet syndromes. Additionally, it has FDA approval for the management of tuberous sclerosis complex-related seizures.
Lennox-Gastaut syndrome CBD therapy
Approximately 2 to 5% of all occurrences of childhood epilepsy are caused by Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.
In two 14-week clinical investigations, the effectiveness of Epidolex in managing seizures in people with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome was evaluated.
Dravet syndrome treatment using CBD
Dravet syndrome is a rare kind of epilepsy marked by seizures that don’t respond to treatment.
In a clinical study, experts compared the effectiveness of daily administration of 20 mg/kg of Epidolex to a placebo in children between the ages of 2 and 18.
Epidolex users experienced a significant reduction in seizure frequency (39%) as compared to those who received a placebo (17 percent decrease).
The use of CBD to treat tuberous sclerosis complex
About one in every 6,000 persons has the rare disease tuberous sclerosis complex. It is a hereditary disorder that results in non-cancerous tumors developing all throughout your body. Some patients with brain tumors also develop seizures as a result.
In a clinical trial, 148 patients with tuberous sclerosis complex were given daily doses of Epidolex 25 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg in comparison to a placebo.
In comparison to the placebo group, the average improvement in the Epidolex group was 48%.
CBD for seizures brought on by other conditions
If CBD is effective in treating other forms of seizures, further study is required. However, early research has produced promising results.
Research
According to Trusted Source, there is research that suggests CBD may enhance the effects of the epileptic drug clobazam (Onfi). There is some evidence to suggest that CBD could enhance the effects of other antiepileptic drugs.
Based on a 2018 study
Trusted Source looked into how CBD affected 55 people with one of four epileptic syndromes:
- Deficit of CDKL5 syndrome
- Aicardi illness
- Insomnia Doose
- the Dup15q disorder
The individuals initially experienced an average of 59.4 seizures per month. After 12 weeks, the average fell to 22.5 per month. For the whole 48-week period, the increased rate persisted.
