Marijuana in Treating Epilepsy

There's been a lot of debate about cannabis over the years. There are promising therapeutic applications and possible adverse health effects, which is why the discussion has been so controversial. However, it has been found marijuana has promising therapeutic applications for epilepsy. Repeated seizures are a sign of epilepsy, a neurological disorder that can devastate a person's daily life. Some compounds in marijuana may have some anti-epileptic properties, and medical researchers are looking into it as a treatment for epilepsy. This blog will examine the link between epilepsy and marijuana, discussing possible benefits and risks.

What is Epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a brain disorder that comes with abnormal electrical activity in the brain that causes recurrent, inexplicable seizures. Seizures can cause many symptoms, from temporary inattention to full-blown convulsions to comas. Although anyone at any age can develop epilepsy, it typically manifests during early childhood or adolescence.

Genes, brain injuries, infections, tumors, and even some types of typical brain development can all trigger epileptic seizures. However, it is sometimes not obvious where the issue starts. Many tests can help detect possible problems in the brain. Some that you might be familiar with are blood tests and MRIs. Electroencephalography can also be used. Through electrodes on the scalp, EEG records brain activity. EEG results can help diagnose brain conditions, such as epilepsy and other seizures.

With the help of medication, patients with epilepsy can lessen the frequency and intensity of their seizures. In some circumstances, surgery or other invasive procedures could be helpful. If epilepsy is treated, most people can go on to live their normal everyday lives. 

CBD and Epilepsy

THC is not often considered a potential treatment for epilepsy due to its psychoactive component. CBD has been shown to help people with seizures. CBD has an interesting interaction with the endocannabinoid system. The EDB is a complex network of receptors and signaling molecules that control pain, mood, and appetite. CBD can change how specific endocannabinoid receptors work, making the brain less excited and reducing the number of seizures.

CBD's anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties may help stop damage caused by seizures. CBD may also help by making more of certain neurotransmitters that help control how excited brain cells is. This could make attacks less likely to happen. CBD could be a good way to treat epilepsy in some cases when other treatments haven't worked. More research needs to be done so patients can understand the risks. 

What can medical marijuana do?

Over the years, medical marijuana has been looked at as an option when it comes to treating epilepsy. As we have previously discussed, the plant comprises many compounds and molecules. One of these compounds is cannabidiol, or CBD for short. We still don't know the reaction one may have to marijuana when all the other compounds are included, but when scientists experiment with CBD alone, the path gets a bit clearer. In December 2015, lancet published a study on CBD in patients with treatment-resistant epilepsy. The study found that in children and young adults with highly treatment-resistant epilepsy, CBD might reduce seizure frequency and have a good safety profile. The study outlines treatment-resistant since over one-third of patients show some form of resistance. This means that they are more likely to face more severe outcomes. 

Another study published by the New England Journal of Medicine, tested CBD as a treatment for those suffering from dravet syndrome. Dravet syndrome is a particular type of epilepsy where it primarily affects infants. Temperature-sensitive seizures characterize the syndrome. Not treating this problem can lead to major developmental problems like socializing and speaking. The study found that cannabidiol resulted in a more significant reduction in convulsive-seizure frequency than the placebo and was associated with higher rates of adverse events. This study showed some positives, but the question of safety remains as the group with CBD had more negative outcomes than the placebo (16% vs. 5%). 

The idea of using CBD as a treatment for epilepsy became so strong that the American Epilepsy Society issued a statement. The group clarified that we still don't know the potential long-term effects of CBD and raised the question of safety.  

Types of Epilepsy

Epilepsy can be categorized based on many factors, like when symptoms first occur, where they're located, and the overall cause. Here are some types of epilepsy and a short description. 

Idiopathic generalized epilepsy: Most cases of this form of epilepsy appear during childhood, lending credence to the idea that it is genetic. Accounts for about 20-40% of seizures. 

Partial epilepsy: Scars or tumors can cause this form of epilepsy in a specific part of the brain. Depending on where the abnormality is located, different symptoms may accompany a seizure, including changes in consciousness, sensation, and movement.

Lennox-Gastaut syndrome: Severe form of epilepsy that typically manifests in early childhood before age four. 

Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy: Muscle jerks and convulsions are common symptoms of this type of epilepsy.

Temporal lobe epilepsy: This type of epilepsy is distinct by episodes that start in the brain's temporal lobe and may be caused by an infection or a history of brain injury. 

Progressive myoclonic epilepsy: It's a group of diseases affecting the central nervous system. The group share that they get progressively worse over time and muscle contractions. 

FDA-Approved Forms of Treatment 

Epilepsy and marijuana might be complicated, but the government's moving in the right direction—the FDA-approved Epidiolex, a marijuana-based medication to treat seizures. A compound in the drug, CBD doesn't make you high, like THC. The medicine contains CBD in a highly purified form. Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome are rare forms of epilepsy that don't respond well to common seizure medication. Patients suffering from these conditions have significantly reduced seizures with the medicine. This could be a good option for those without success with other treatments in treating your ailment. Although Epidiolex's approval by the FDA is a huge step forward for medical marijuana, other marijuana-based treatments haven't been thoroughly tested, so be aware of potential drugs promising the same benefits. 

What We Know

Marijuana and epilepsy are topics that are still unexplored. Although some studies have found that CBD has some anti-seizure properties, there is still a question of safety. Using marijuana as a treatment for epilepsy should not be done without first talking to a medical professional. There is still much to learn about using marijuana to treat epilepsy, although Epidiolex is a significant advancement. More information and research are needed to determine if marijuana can help people with epilepsy in a safe manner. For more information on medical marijuana or to book an appointment, please click on the button below.