Epilepsy affects millions of people worldwide and can be a difficult condition to manage. Fortunately, research is showing that the use of cannabis may be a beneficial treatment option for those with epilepsy. In this article, we will explore the potential benefits of cannabis for epilepsy sufferers, as well as the risks and considerations associated with using it as a treatment. We will also discuss the current legal status of cannabis for medical purposes and the potential for future legalization. Finally, we’ll provide guidance for those looking to explore the use of cannabis for epilepsy.
What potential side effects are associated with the use of CBD for epilepsy?
Potential side effects associated with the use of CBD for epilepsy include fatigue, reduced appetite, and diarrhea. Other possible side effects include weight changes, sleep problems, irritability, aggression, and changes in mood or behavior. Long-term use of CBD may also cause liver injury, as well as drug interactions with other medications.
Does CBD have different effects on different types of epilepsy?
Yes, CBD has been shown to have different effects on different types of epilepsy. Studies have shown that CBD can be beneficial in treating some types of epilepsy, including Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. However, it is important to note that it is not a cure-all for all types of epilepsy, and it is important to consult a physician before taking any medication.
Are there any risks associated with long-term use of cannabis for epilepsy?
Yes, there are risks associated with long-term use of cannabis for epilepsy. These risks include an increased risk of depression and anxiety, cognitive impairment, and an increased risk of drug dependence and addiction. Furthermore, cannabis can interact with anti-epileptic medications, thus increasing the risk of seizures.
What is the recommended dosage of CBD for epilepsy?
The recommended dosage of CBD for epilepsy can vary from person to person depending on their weight, age, and severity of symptoms. Generally, it is recommended to start out with a low dose of around 5-10mg of CBD per day, and gradually increase to a maximum of 25-50mg per day in divided doses. It is important to consult your doctor before taking any CBD as it can interact with certain medications.
What evidence exists to suggest that cannabis may be effective in treating epilepsy?
There have been numerous studies and anecdotal evidence to suggest that cannabis may be an effective treatment for epilepsy. Studies have found that the active ingredients in cannabis, such as cannabidiol (CBD), can reduce the severity and frequency of seizures in some patients. Additionally, there have been reports of people with epilepsy who have used cannabis to reduce their seizures or even stop them altogether. Studies have also found that cannabis can help reduce inflammation in the brain, which is believed to be linked to seizures. Finally, animal studies have found that cannabis can reduce the excitability of neurons, which can help prevent seizures.
August 4, – By Bruce Goldman. Ivan Soltesz and his colleagues have found that a marijuana-like compound in the brain calms epileptic seizures but also increases memory loss. Steve Fisch. A marijuana-like chemical in the brain, mirroring its plant-based counterpart, packs both ups and downs. This substance is called 2-arachidonoylglycerol, or 2-AG, and has the beneficial effect of damping down seizure intensity. The similarly rapid breakdown of 2-AG after its release, the researchers found, trips off a cascade of biochemical reactions culminating in blood-vessel constriction in the brain and, in turn, the disorientation and amnesia that typically follow an epileptic seizure. Ivan Soltesz , PhD, professor of neurosurgery, shares senior authorship with G. About one in every hundred people has epilepsy. Epileptic seizures can be described as an electrical storm in the brain. These storms typically begin at a single spot where nerve cells begin repeatedly firing together in synchrony. The hyperactivity often spreads from that one spot to other areas throughout the brain, causing symptoms such as loss of consciousness and convulsions. The majority of epileptic seizures originate in the hippocampus, a brain structure buried in the temporal lobe, said Soltesz, the James R. Doty Professor of Neurosurgery and Neurosciences. The hippocampus plays an outsized role in short-term memory, learning and spatial orientation. Its ability to quickly adopt new neuronal firing patterns renders it especially vulnerable to glitches that initiate seizures. Most epileptic seizures in adults begin in or near the hippocampus, Soltesz noted. In the study, Soltesz and his associates monitored split-second changes in levels of 2-AG in the hippocampus of mice during periods of normal activity, like walking or running, and in experiments in which brief seizures were induced in the hippocampus. Endocannabinoids are understood to play a role in inhibiting excessive excitement in the brain. While smoking marijuana floods the entire brain with relatively long-lasting THC, endocannabinoids are released in precise spots in the brain under precise circumstances, and their rapid breakdown leaves them in place and active for extremely short periods of time, said Soltesz, who has been studying the connection between endocannabinoids and epilepsy for decades. The most recent study had its start when Soltesz learned of a new endocannabinoid-visualization method invented by study co-author Yulong Li, PhD, a professor of neuroscience at Peking University in Beijing. The method involves the bioengineering of select neurons in mice so that these neurons express a modified version of CB1 that emits a fluorescent glow whenever a cannabinoid binds to the modified endocannabinoid receptor. The fluorescence can be detected by photosensitive instruments. Using this new tool, the scientists could monitor and localize sub-second changes in fluorescence that correlate with endocannabinoid levels where that binding was occurring. By blocking enzymes critical to the production and breakdown of different endocannabinoids, the researchers proved that 2-AG alone is the endocannabinoid substance whose surges and rapid disappearance track neuronal activity in the mice. Several hundred times as much 2-AG was released when a mouse was having a seizure compared with when it was merely running in place. The researchers were able to rule out the involvement of an alternative endocannabinoid, anandamide, that many neuroscientists and pharmacologists had assumed was the active substance. But 2-AG is almost immediately converted to arachidonic acid, a building block for inflammatory compounds called prostaglandins. Oxygen deprivation is known to produce the cognitive deficits disorientation, memory loss that occur after a seizure, Soltesz said. Other researchers at the University of Calgary, as well as researchers at Vanderbilt University, contributed to the work. A dedicated page provides the latest information and developments related to the pandemic. Stanford Medicine News 07 Endocannabinoids and epilepsy Story. Marijuana-like brain substance calms seizures but increases aftereffects, study finds. Electrical storm in the brain About one in every hundred people has epilepsy. Zeroing in on 2-AG By blocking enzymes critical to the production and breakdown of different endocannabinoids, the researchers proved that 2-AG alone is the endocannabinoid substance whose surges and rapid disappearance track neuronal activity in the mice. Email him at goldmanb stanford. Stanford Medicine Magazine. The most mysterious organ.
On Oct. As with alcohol, the required age for purchase and use varies from province to province. Similarly, the outlets through which it can be purchased varies by province.