Epilepsy

In countries where medical cannabis is regulated, chronic pain is among the top conditions prioritized by health care providers specializing in cannabinoid medicine. Studies have shown that cannabis has the potential to suppress pain signaling by activating the CB1 receptors of the body’s endocannabinoid system.

Pain is considered chronic if it persists for a period longer than 3 months. Left unmanaged, chronic pain can severely impact a patient’s:

Mental Health
Sleep Quality
Ability to Perform Activities of Daily Life
Employment
Family/Social Relationships

Causes / Predispositions

While the cause(s) of epilepsy in some patients is unknown, the following factors can play a role:

Genetic Predisposition
Neonatal Brain Injury
Traumatic Head Injury
Tumors
Stroke
Bacterial Meningitis
Tuberculosis
HIV

Symptoms

There are several different types of seizures, resulting in a variety of symptoms such as:

Loss of Consciousness
Loss of Awareness
Falling
Stiffening of the Muscles
Involuntary Jerking/Trembling
Twitching of the Limbs/Face
Anxiety/Fear
Nausea

Traditional Treatments

Epileptic patients are typically prescribed anticonvulsants, antiepileptic and/or antiseizure medications such as:

Acetazolamide
Adrenocorticotropic Hormone
Carbamazepine
Clobazam
Clonazepam
Diazepam
Ethosuximide
Felbamate
Gabapentin
Lacosamide
Lamotrigine
Levetiracetam
Midazolam
Nitrazepam
Oxcarbazepine
Paraldehyde
Phenobarbitone
Phenytoin
Potassium
Bromide
Primidone
Sodium
Valproate
Stiripentol
Sulthiame
Tiagabine
Topiramate
Vigabatrin
Zonisamide

Additional Treatments Options

Surgery – Considered in cases where the source of a patient’s epilepsy originates in a limited region of abnormal brain tissue.
Vagal Nerve Stimulator (VNS) – An implanted medical device designed to send electrical impulses to the brain, reducing seizures.
Ketogenic Diet – A controlled diet typically used in pediatric patients (lots of fat, low-carbohydrate, adequate-protein) designed to produce metabolic changes to help reduce seizure frequency.

Treatment with Cannabis Medicine

Research indicates that medical cannabis, specifically CBD, may be useful in the reduction of seizure frequency, particularly in patients with treatment-resistant epilepsy.

Much of the current body of research regarding cannabis therapy and epilepsy is centered on the treatment of severe forms of childhood epilepsies such as Dravet and Lennox-Gastaut syndromes. Additional research is needed to fully understand the therapeutic potentials and possible side effects of cannabis as a treatment for epilepsy.

Recommended Intake Method(s)

Edible Oils – Useful as a preventative treatment. Effectiveness limited by slow onset.
Inhalation via Vaporizer – Useful during/after a seizure episode.