How Cannabis is Changing Epilepsy Treatment

CBD(cannabidiol) is an active ingredient derived from the hemp plant. It is currently used to treat a myriad of health issues, from anxiety to HIV. Although widely used and accepted, but due to limited testing has not been an approved remedy with the exception of epilepsy. In 2018, history was made when CBD became gained FDA approval in the treatment of those who have epilepsy.

What is Epilepsy?

Epilepsy is synonymous with seizure disorders. Patients diagnosed must have two unprovoked seizures within 24 hours without underlying causes such as low blood sugar. The disease can be a result of brain injury or genetically inherited, but the exact cause is usually unknown.

Epilepsy Symptoms

Seizures characterize epilepsy. They can be stereotypical, meaning they happen the same way every time or episodic meaning they unpredictably come and go. All seizures have a beginning, middle, and end with differing symptoms, but most visible, physical symptoms occur in the middle. Internally symptoms range a broad spectrum from panic to euphoria. Physical symptoms span the spectrum, as well.

Physical Symptoms

The list of physical symptoms is long, but below, we list some of the most common.

• repeated movements(can be involuntary or voluntary)
• rigid muscles or loss in muscle tone
• drooling
• Tremors, twitching or jerking movements
• difficulty breathing

How Cannabis Helps Epilepsy Patients

Epileptic seizures can result in long-term brain damage as well as injury and sometimes death. Traditional medicines are ineffective in a third of epilepsy patients. Luckily there are better options. Since ancient times cannabis has been used to treat seizures. Studies have shown that cannabis is effective in treating seizures in Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS); both syndromes affect small children. CBD blocks the receptors in the nervous system that causes seizures. Stopping seizures can improve the quality of life for those suffering from cruel epileptic syndromes as well as perhaps save others.

For more information or to find out if you qualify for a medical marijuana card, schedule an appointment with us at https://miracleleafdoc.com/coconut-grove. You can also stop by our store to speak with our experts and purchase medicinal-grade hemp-based CBD. Contact us today with any further questions or inquiries.