Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterised by seizures.  People who suffer from epilepsy have increased electrical brain activity that causes these seizures and are treated with drugs in an attempt to control them.

Some people with epilepsy live with uncontrolled seizures due to their body’s drug resistance or to the type of seizures they suffer from.  For such individuals, CBD is a long awaited alternative to the treatment of epileptic seizures. 

CBD is the second most common substance among the active ingredients in cannabis, and is unique in that it has a beneficial effect on the brain. CBD helps the various systems in the brain to communicate with each other, generally improving bodily functions.

CBD binds with neuroreceptors, GPR55 and TRPV1, in the brain’s endocannabinoid system thereby reducing neuron excitability, animal research shows, and contributing to an anti-seizure effect.  

If you are already using medical cannabis to control your seizures, CBD can enhance the effects.

As one study suggested in 2018, “CBD-rich cannabis extracts were actually more effective at reducing seizures than pure CBD.”(…) “However, as the authors pointed out, this will have to be explored by more study before any conclusions can be drawn.”

With conditions such as epilepsy, it is important to first consult your doctor before making any decision regarding adding CBD to your existing treatment plan.  A qualified neurologist can best advise and guide you as he/she is the specialist on drug interactions and can also track the frequency of your seizures to see whether there has been progress since adding CBD to your regimen.