CBD and epilepsy: efficacity of cannabidiol for epilepsy seizure
CBD and epilepsy
The use of CBD for chronic illnesses is becoming more and more common among patients. Cannabidiol is safe and full of benefits and good qualities. In the case of epilepsy, CBD can be an important ally in the treatment of seizures.
Nowadays, epilepsy is the most common neurological disorder after migraine. In France, there are between 400,000 and 500,000 people suffering from epilepsy. In this article, we will see how CBD and epilepsy can work together.
What is epilepsy?
Before we dive in, let's understand what epilepsy is. Epilepsy is a neurological condition in which the brain has abnormal electrical activity. It is characterized by a rapid increase in electrical activity in the brain that disrupts neuronal communication and causes convulsions or jerking movements in the individual. It is also possible to experience much less impressive effects such as hallucinations, staring, loss of consciousness or strange sensations.
What may not be known is that there are several forms of epilepsy and not just one as is often thought.
The people most affected by epilepsy are children and adolescents. The condition can also occur in people over the age of 65.The causes are often unknown but in some cases they are hereditary. People with certain genes are more likely to have epileptic seizures. Worldwide, 40 million people suffer from chronic epilepsy. For economic and social reasons, three out of four people with epilepsy are unable to afford treatment.
The different treatments for epilepsy
As explained above, there is no single type of epilepsy, and each patient must be treated in a unique way depending on the type of seizure. However, there is no cure for epilepsy, only stabilisation, but often these treatments are dangerous to health. There are different treatments to calm epileptic seizures.
Anti-epileptic drugs
There are drugs that can reduce or even stop the intensity and frequency of epileptic seizures. Just like the type of epilepsy, it is important to have the right treatment. Phenytoin, carbamazepine and valproic acid are the oldest drugs used to treat epilepsy. Others are more recent, such as gabapentin, lamotrigine and topiramate. However, all these drugs have important side effects such as developmental disorders, foetal malformations or the elimination of vitamin D in the body and therefore the risk of osteoporosis.
Cosmetic surgery
30% of patients are "drug resistant", i.e. they are resistant to drugs. Often, they have to have the seizure-prone area of the brain removed. However, this operation can damage the patient's functionality by causing a neurological deficit.
Other methods can be used, such as the vagus nerve stimulator. This method consists of a device under the skin that stimulates the vagus nerve, producing electrical impulses.
An epileptic seizure is often associated with a physiological imbalance. It is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle to avoid future seizures.
CBD and epilepsy: how does it work?
So how can CBD help you?
First of all, it is important to note that CBD is known for its numerous therapeutic virtues on the human body. Some studies have shown its effectiveness on certain rare forms of epilepsy such as Dravet and Lennox-Gastaut syndromes. The result? A strong reduction in seizures in both studies thanks to cannabidiol. For the moment, there are only reliable studies on two of these rare forms, the studies must be deepened to prove the entire effectiveness of CBD on epilepsy.
The Charlotte Figi case
You've probably heard of it, but the case of Charlotte Figi has led to many researchers looking into the effects of CBD on epilepsy. With Dravet Syndrome, no treatment was working properly for 6-year-old Charlotte, who was experiencing up to 300 seizures a week. Long story short, after seeing an epilepsy patient use CBD, her father decided to give her CBD oil.
From the first time he took it, the results were astounding. From 300 seizures per week to 2 to 3 per week. Good news for the family! Now deceased, Charlotte's case has led to a major scientific breakthrough.
In short, CBD can interact with your body. Indeed, you have what is called an endocannabinoid system. Thanks to the receptors present in it, it can influence your health as well as your emotions, pain and much more. As you will understand, epilepsy is the result of complex external factors and dysfunctions. CBD (cannabidiol) could then interact with these dysfunctions.
CBD will then have an action on inflammation, convulsions and have a neuro-protective effect.
As far as side effects are concerned, they are very minimal or non-existent, but the most frequent are diarrhoea, drowsiness and loss of appetite.
Choosing the right products
It is important to find the right products. There are many CBD products on the market, so it is important to compare and especially to take products that are safe for you. We recommend, of course, that you start with an oil. A few drops under the tongue and you're done! However, don't take the high dosage straight away, it's important that your body gets used to it, so you can increase the dosage later.
There are other products than oil, such as hash with a higher concentration of CBD or a good flower to vaporise.
Suffering from epileptic seizures is not easy. Before taking CBD, you should consult a doctor because despite the benefits of CBD, it is not a miracle product. Don't hesitate to follow all our adventures on our social networks!
In the meantime,
Cake it easy,
Lindsay.