In recent years, medical marijuana has become an increasingly popular alternative for treating seizures, especially for those who are resistant to traditional therapies. There is a growing body of evidence that supports the use of medical marijuana for seizure treatment, and it is becoming an increasingly viable option for those who suffer from epilepsy and other seizure-related disorders. This article will explore the potential benefits of medical marijuana for seizure treatment, and the safety and efficacy of this natural therapy. Additionally, potential side effects and legal considerations will be discussed. The goal of this article is to provide an informed opinion on the potential benefits of medical marijuana for seizure treatment.
Marijuana may be beneficial in helping to manage seizures in some people with certain types of epilepsy. Studies have shown that CBD, a compound in marijuana, can reduce seizure frequency in some people with epilepsy. CBD oil is often used in combination with other medications to help control seizures. For example, CBD can improve the effectiveness of anticonvulsant drugs, such as clobazam and valproic acid, and reduce the risk of side effects associated with these drugs. Additionally, CBD may be used in combination with other medications to reduce the frequency and intensity of seizures.
Medical marijuana is specifically prescribed to treat seizures, while recreational marijuana may or may not have any effect on controlling seizures. Medical marijuana is typically more potent and contains higher levels of the active ingredient, THC, than recreational marijuana. Additionally, medical marijuana products are regulated and tested to ensure safety, quality, and potency for medical use.
Yes, there is evidence that marijuana can reduce the frequency of seizures. Studies have shown that medical marijuana can reduce seizure frequency by up to 50%, and in some cases, eliminate seizures altogether. Additionally, research has shown that cannabidiol, a cannabinoid found in marijuana, can also reduce seizures in patients with epilepsy.
Marijuana has been used for centuries to treat a variety of medical conditions, including seizures. Studies have shown that cannabis can help reduce the frequency and severity of seizures in certain people. However, there are some known side effects of marijuana use for seizure control, including dry mouth, red eyes, dizziness, increased heart rate, and paranoia. It is important to speak with a doctor before using marijuana for seizure control.
Research has been conducted on the effectiveness of marijuana for seizure control, and the findings have been promising. Studies have shown that THC, the active ingredient in marijuana, has anti-seizure properties and can reduce the frequency and severity of seizures in some people. In addition, CBD, another compound found in marijuana, has also been shown to be effective in reducing seizure activity in some people. Additionally, research has suggested that the combination of THC and CBD may be more effective in treating seizures than either compound alone.
Medical marijuana continues to face much controversy and debate among the general public. Ongoing research has pointed to the benefits and risks of using medical marijuana to treat epileptic seizures. Below are the latest facts about the effectiveness of using medical marijuana as a viable treatment option. The Neurology Center for Epilepsy and Seizures is at the forefront of the latest practices available to treat patients who experience seizures and seizure-producing conditions. A seizure is caused by an imbalance in your brain chemistry that produces abnormal jolts of electrical activity. This electrical activity sends impulses throughout your body and causes your muscles to spasm. Epilepsy is the most common type of seizure disorder, but not all seizures are caused by epilepsy. Medical marijuana refers to the whole cannabis plant. The cannabis plant contains chemicals, cannabinoids, that respond to receptors in your body. These chemicals bind with receptors in your brain, blocking the transmission of pain signals. However, CBD also binds to more than just pain receptors and affects other signaling systems in your brain. Years of research suggests CBD does have benefits for patients who experience epileptic seizures, although the impact is not entirely understood. The medication, Epidiolex, was authorized for the treatment of two rare forms of epilepsy Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome. The consensus for the treatment of epileptic seizures with medical marijuana has grown. Yet, medical providers caution you to understand that there are several potential side effects, only some of which are known by researchers. Medical marijuana can affect memory, which may cause you to forget to take doses when needed. Marijuana can also inhibit cognitive abilities in children. Smoking medical marijuana can pose a danger to your lungs, although this can be avoided if eaten. The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as medical advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, a doctor-patient relationship. Powered by Shoreline Media Marketing. Billing Patient Forms Patient Portal. Understanding epileptic seizures A seizure is caused by an imbalance in your brain chemistry that produces abnormal jolts of electrical activity. Defining medical marijuana Medical marijuana refers to the whole cannabis plant. Side Effects The consensus for the treatment of epileptic seizures with medical marijuana has grown. Share This Tweet Share Share. Related Posts Improving Your Memory. Do you feel like you are forgetting more things, lately? Many people think that mild. One of the challenges of having a chronic illness, such as epilepsy, is that the. How to Prevent Seizures. While any person can have a seizure, people who have had two or more 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.