Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder that is characterized by recurring seizures. These seizures are the result of a sudden brain activity that disrupts how the brain cells function. This condition affects more than 3 million people worldwide. As of 2015, 1.2% of the US population had active epilepsy.
Most people who have epilepsy rely on anti-seizure or anti-epileptic medication to keep the seizures controlled. However, more recent evidence found that medical marijuana is also beneficial.
Through the years, marijuana as a medicinal treatment has been a widely-studied and hotly-debated public issue. But, as researchers discover more and more of its therapeutic benefits, medical marijuana is becoming more acceptable to use, especially for epilepsy management.
How Medical Marijuana May Help Patients With Epilepsy
Researchers say that medical marijuana or cannabis contains over 400 compounds. But two of these compounds — (tetrahydrocannabinol) THC and cannabidiol (CBD) — have been found to impact seizures in patients with epilepsy. Between THC and CBD, however, the latter is deemed safer because it doesn’t lead to a feeling of euphoria or a “high,” which is the most commonly known effect of marijuana, according to Penn Medicine.
A study by the American Epilepsy Society has shown that children suffering from epilepsy, who were given 98% CBD to 2% THC cannabis extract, experienced a 50 percent reduction of their epileptic episodes. Some patients also became completely seizure-free.
However, there can also be some side effects from ingesting medical marijuana to control seizures. Some patients may develop fatigue and sleeplessness, as well as more serious side effects that may require intubation.
Our medical marijuana doctor in Gainesville warns that smoking weed for epilepsy management must not be self-medicated as the amount of cannabis extract must still be regulated. It is best always to talk to a physician before taking medical marijuana to control the symptoms of epilepsy.
FDA-Approved Medical Marijuana for Epilepsy
In 2018, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the very first epilepsy drug with an active ingredient derived from marijuana. It’s known as Epidiolex, an oral cannabidiol solution for managing two types of epilepsy for patients two years old and above — Lennox–Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome.
These conditions are considered severe forms of epilepsy that develop in childhood. They have symptoms like uncontrolled muscle spasms, stiffening of the muscles or limbs, or febrile seizures. Most of these epilepsy attacks also need emergency intervention as the patients tend to have impaired motor skills, poor language ability, and hyperactivity. Patients with these conditions have a different quality of life requiring continuous medical marijuana therapy.
The FDA found that, as with other drugs known to control epilepsy seizures, Epidiolex may have side effects like depression, panic attacks, and aggression. This drug can also harm the liver, though the effects are mild.
How Medical Marijuana Works For Epilepsy
Both THC and CBD in marijuana bind to receptors in the body, modulating the transmission of pain signals. This is why medical marijuana is popular for its use in the management of chronic pain, particularly those associated with conditions such as multiple sclerosis.
Moreover, it is suggested that CBD has anti-inflammatory and and muscle relaxing properties.
However, marijuana’s mechanism of action in seizure control isn’t well understood. Research isl ongoing to understand marijuana’s effectiveness in epilepsy treatment. Nevertheless, many patients claim that it does control their seizures.
Medical Marijuana For Epilepsy: Claims & Findings
Many people with epilepsy who have been using medical marijuana to manage their symptoms claim that it is very effective. A recent study conducted on 10 epileptic children found that, after the administration of medical marijuana, seizure frequency across all of the participants was reduced by 86% without significant adverse effects. The participants also reduced their use of anti-epileptic medications from an average of seven down to one after medical cannabis treatment.
Schedule An Appointment With The BEST MEDICAL MARIJUANA DOCTOR IN GAINESVILLE
Do you suffer from epilepsy and want to know if medical marijuana could be right for you? It is best to talk to your doctor, especially if you experience epileptic seizures that do not respond to traditional treatments.
Advanced Pain Medical Center offers pain management in Gainesville, as well as medical marijuana and regenerative medicine solutions to various medical conditions.
If you have been diagnosed with epilepsy, or if you know someone who might benefit from medical marijuana treatment, then schedule an appointment with our medical marijuana doctor in Gainesville today.
Furthermore, medical marijuana may also be used to improve the symptoms of the following conditions:
- Lou Gehrig’s Disease (ALS)
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome (PTSD)
- Crohn’s Disease
- And more
Aside from CBD in Gainesville, FL, we also offer other other pain management services and treatments, such as:
If you have any other questions, please contact us with your queries or call us at 352-888-PAIN.
The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.
