Medical marijuana has been gaining a lot of attention in recent years for its potential medicinal benefits. One of the most promising areas of research is the potential for medical marijuana to treat seizures. Seizures are a common medical condition that can be caused by many different things, including epilepsy and stroke. While traditional medications have been used to treat seizures, some have found that medical marijuana may be an effective alternative. This article will explore the potential benefits of medical marijuana for seizure treatment, as well as some potential drawbacks.
How does CBD compare to other medications typically used to treat seizures?
CBD is a naturally occurring compound found in the cannabis plant, which means it has fewer side effects than other medications typically used to treat seizures. CBD has been shown to reduce seizure activity in some people, and can also help reduce inflammation and anxiety. However, it is important to speak with a doctor before using CBD for seizures, as it can interact with other medications.
What research has been conducted to determine if weed is a viable treatment option for seizures?
Recent research has suggested that weed, or Cannabis sativa, may be effective in treating some forms of epilepsy and seizure disorders. A study conducted by the University of California San Francisco revealed that a cannabis-based drug called Epidiolex reduced the frequency of seizures in patients with a certain type of epilepsy. Another study conducted by the University of Alabama at Birmingham found that cannabis compounds may be effective in treating certain types of seizures. More research is needed to determine the full effects of cannabis on seizures, but the current evidence suggests that it may be a viable treatment option.
What side effects may result from using weed to treat seizures?
Common side effects of using weed to treat seizures may include dizziness, dry mouth, fatigue, nausea, and changes in appetite. Additionally, some people may experience anxiety, confusion, or paranoia. In rare cases, extreme reactions such as psychosis or cardiovascular problems have been reported.
Are there any long-term risks associated with using weed to treat seizures?
Yes, there are long-term risks associated with using weed to treat seizures. These risks include increased risk of addiction, cognitive impairment, and respiratory problems. Additionally, using weed as a medication for seizures may also interfere with other medications that are being taken for seizure control. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor before using cannabis for seizure control.
Is there evidence that weed is effective in reducing the frequency and severity of seizures?
Yes, there is growing evidence that marijuana can be beneficial in reducing the frequency and severity of seizures in certain individuals. Studies have found that cannabidiol, a compound found in marijuana, can be effective in reducing the frequency of seizures in people with epilepsy. In addition, other studies have found that marijuana may be useful in controlling epileptic seizures, as well as reducing the severity of seizures in some cases.
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. In light of its recent legalization and the growing interest in cannabis as a treatment for epilepsy, Epilepsy Toronto recently conducted a survey of those with personal experience in the management of seizures with cannabis. It is important to remember that while there is a growing body of scientific and anecdotal evidence to suggest cannabis can be an effective treatment for controlling some forms of seizures, there is no consensus in the medical community for its use. You must talk to your doctor before making any changes to your medication regime. Prior to legalization, Health Canada allowed for the use of marijuana for medical purposes through prescription only, and for only a limited number of diseases or conditions. Epilepsy was on the list of allowable conditions. However, Health Canada made no endorsement of its efficacy. You should never alter your drug regime for controlling seizures without first consulting the doctor whose care you are in. Should I change doctors if I want to see of cannabis can help with my seizures? We believe that your doctor uses their best judgement based on their assessment of your epilepsy. Remember that no two cases of epilepsy are the identical although the same types seizures may be experienced. Side effects affect everyone differently. CBD works in a different way. Some forms of medical marijuana use CBDs to treat conditions such as epilepsy, while others forms, which include THC, can provide a benefit in treatments such as pain control, for example. Medical cannabis comes in different forms, such as oils, edibles, a vaporizer. You can learn more about complementary and alternative therapies that include such techniques as acupuncture, chiropractic, massage therapy, relaxation, guided imagery, biofeedback, aromatherapy, yoga, therapeutic touch, homeopathy, diet, etc. Epilepsy Toronto does not take a position on its use, but encourages further research. Should I try cannabis to see if it works for me? Will I get high if I use it? Do I have to smoke cannabis to use it? Here some of the questions you may want to ask your doctor Do any of your patients use medical marijuana? Should I consider using it? Could it be used as as a substitute for the drugs I am taking now? Will using medical marijuana interfere with the anti-seizure medications I am currently taking?
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.