CBD, unlike THC, is not psychoactive and does not create the sensation of getting high. This is why the popularity of medical marijuana is on the rise. It is often used as additional treatment support for many ailments and conditions.
With the momentum CBD has gained in the health industry, can it help reduce seizures?
Can You Reduce Seizures With CBD Oil?
If you have seizures and have tried a variety of treatments unsuccessfully, it might be time to give CBD a try. In combination with other treatments, CBD oil is one of the latest aids in treatments for this condition.
Here’s what Neurology Center for Epilepsy and Seizures had to say about a clinical trial on CBD promoting the treatment of seizures, “Clinical trials have demonstrated a significant reduction in seizures for people taking CBD to treat Lennox-Gastaut, Dravet syndrome, or tuberous sclerosis complex. Research in other areas is still in early stages, but there are indications that CBD may help prevent other types of seizure or increase the efficacy of other antiepileptic medications.”
How Does CBD Work in Preventing Seizures?
Seizures can occur after a stroke, a head injury that causes trauma, or after a severe injury. However, in most cases, the causes of seizures are unknown. What we know, though, is that it occurs when there is an issue with the natural neurotransmitters and receptors in the body.
Normally a seizure occurs when one or more parts of the brain have a large burst of electrical signal that inhibits the normal working of the brain cells. They can also occur when anything interrupts the normal nerve cells in a significant manner.
The types of seizures are categorized depending on the part of the brain affected and what happens during the seizures.
If you have regular seizures, you should consult your doctor or neurologist before starting any treatment, including CBD. It might interact negatively with the rest of your medication.
FDA Approved CBD
Patients considering using CBD to treat seizures should ensure that it is FDA approved to avoid worsening their condition. In the past five years, medical research has developed Epidiolex, a purified version of CBD that can be prescribed to promote seizure treatment.
Side Effects of CBD When Treating Seizures
Although it’s generally safer to use than other medications used to treat seizures, such as brivaracetam, clobazam, and topiramate, there are some potential side effects of using CBD. For starters, it may lead to mental health issues such as depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts, drowsiness, nausea, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. Some people also experience stronger and more frequent seizures after using CBD.
Although most of these side effects are minor inconveniences, CBD can cause liver and kidney damage when paired with other medications. It’s, therefore, advisable to consult with a doctor once you notice any side effects and stop the CBD treatment support once they persist.
Where to Get CBD to Treat Seizures
If you are using CBD to support seizure treatment, you need to talk to your doctor first so as to get the right dose. Not all CBD oil is FDA approved to treat seizures, which is why you should avoid over-the-counter CBD. There is also no way to know if the CBD is pure or FDA-approved unless you get it from a certified Marijuana clinic. Looking for more information on CBD? Fill out the form below to contact our team.
