Epilepsy: what helps fight the disease

Epilepsy is a chronic disease that causes seizures to recur. These seizures are the result of a sudden overexcitation that affects the brain. The overexcitation spreads throughout the body, causing muscle contractions and seizures.

A human brain

Back in the 1970s, researchers concluded that cannabidiol had anticonvulsant properties. Anticonvulsants are used for epileptic seizures. About one-third of patients have what is called a therapeutically resistant form. A 2013 study published in the journal Epilepsy and Behavior examined the effects of CBD on children with treatment-resistant epilepsy. Of the 19 participants, 13 had Dravet syndrome, 4 had Dawes syndrome, and one child each with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and idiopathic epilepsy.

Phase III clinical trials of cannabidiol showed the effectiveness of the preparation as adjunctive therapy for severe epilepsy. Treatment with cannabidiol reduced the number of seizures in drug-resistant patients with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome by almost half. Results of a randomized placebo-controlled trial published in the journal Lancet.

A human brain

Up to four percent of epilepsy cases involve Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, a severe form of epilepsy with frequent seizures and cognitive impairment. A number of preliminary trials have shown that cannabidiol (CBD) has a significant anticonvulsant effect and is a promising antiepileptic agent. English pharmaceutical company GW Pharmaceuticals has developed a medication based on 99% cannabidiol (Epidiolex) for the treatment of severe forms of epilepsy, including Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.

In conclusion, epilepsy is a challenging chronic disease that affects millions worldwide, with many patients experiencing treatment-resistant forms. While traditional anticonvulsant medications have been the cornerstone of managing seizures, recent research highlights the potential of cannabidiol (CBD) as a promising therapeutic option, particularly for severe cases such as Lennox-Gastaut and Dravet syndromes. Studies have demonstrated that CBD can significantly reduce seizure frequency, offering hope for patients who have not responded to conventional treatments. As research continues to evolve, cannabidiol-based treatments like Epidiolex may provide new avenues for improving the quality of life for those living with epilepsy.

FAQ

1. What is epilepsy, and how does it affect the body?
Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder that causes recurrent seizures due to sudden overexcitation in the brain. This overexcitation leads to muscle contractions and convulsions, affecting the entire body.

2. How does cannabidiol (CBD) help with epilepsy?
Cannabidiol (CBD) has shown anticonvulsant properties, especially in severe, treatment-resistant forms of epilepsy like Lennox-Gastaut and Dravet syndromes. Studies have demonstrated that CBD can reduce seizure frequency, offering hope to patients who do not respond to traditional medications.

3. What is Epidiolex, and how does it treat epilepsy?
Epidiolex is a medication developed by GW Pharmaceuticals that contains 99% cannabidiol (CBD). It is specifically designed to treat severe forms of epilepsy, including Lennox-Gastaut and Dravet syndromes, and has been shown to significantly reduce seizures in clinical trials.

Disclaimer: This content is meant for educational purposes only. It has been compiled with research from external sources. it is not meant to substitute any medical or legal advice. Please see your local laws for the legality of cannabis use.