Cannabis has been shown to help some people with epilepsy, especially those whose seizures aren’t supported by other medicines. It is also being looked at as a possible way to treat different kinds of seizures, like those caused by Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.
Cannabinoids and Seizure Frequency
Cannabinoids and the endocannabinoid system are thought to be the main reasons why weed can help people who are having seizures lessen their frequency. There are receptors all over the body that make up the endocannabinoid system. This system helps control many things in the body, such as pain, inflammation, mood, and hunger.
When cannabinoids connect to cannabinoid receptors in the brain and other parts of the body, they can do many things, such as lowering the brain’s electrical activity, which can cause seizures.
For people with seizures, cannabis can be used in several different ways. It can be vaped, burned, eaten, or put on the skin. The best way to give something relies on the person’s wants and needs.
Epidiolex is the first and only pharmaceutical cannabidiol (CBD) that the FDA has allowed to treat seizures in people aged one and up who have Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS), Dravet syndrome, or tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC).
Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS)
People who have Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) have a severe type of seizure that starts in early childhood. Different kinds of seizures, like tonic, atonic, and myoclonic ones, are a sign of it. LGS can also make it hard to think clearly and slow growth.
Genetic and environmental things may work together to cause LGS, but no one knows for sure. Even though LGS is a disease that can’t be cured, some treatments can help lessen the number and intensity of seizures.
Signs and Symptoms of Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome
Seizures are the most common sign of LGS. Children with LGS may have more than one type of seizure.
This type of seizure makes the person lose awareness, and their muscles get stiff.
When someone has an atonic seizure, their muscles relax all of a sudden, which can make them trip and fall.
A myoclonic seizure causes muscles to contract quickly and for a short time.
Children with LGS may also have problems with their thinking and growth. They might need help learning, talking, and connecting with others.
Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome: What the Future Holds
LGS has a range of outcomes that rely on how bad the condition is and how well the child responds to treatment. A good outlook means that some children with LGS can live everyday lives. Others have worse effects and will need care for the rest of their lives.
Other forms of medical cannabis are not yet allowed by the FDA, but you can get them in some areas.
What are the Risks and Effects?
Cannabis is safe for most people as long as they don’t use it too much. You might get a dry mouth and red eyes, feel dizzy, and have trouble coordinating your movements. Cannabis can sometimes also make people anxious, paranoid, or psychotic.
Before you use cannabis, you should talk to your doctor, especially if you already have a medical problem or are on any medicines.
Cannabis is a new and hopeful way to treat seizures. Before you start using cannabis to treat your seizures, you should talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits.
