CBD Oil for Seizures – Current Information

For many years, it has been thought that using CBD oil for seizures can help to control and treat this neurological disorder. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a naturally occurring chemical that comes from the cannabis plant. It is used by many people to manage and treat a number of health conditions from chronic plain, inflammatory conditions, stress and anxiety, to sleep disorders. Unlike its relative tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD is not psychoactive, euphoric or impairing in any way.

CBD oil for seizures: What is a seizure?

Before we discuss the use of CBD oil for seizures, let’s take a look at what a seizure is, and what can cause it. Hopkin’s Medicine defines a seizure as being an uncontrolled burst of electrical activity between braincells, that occurs at an inappropriate time. Seizures cause temporary abnormalities in muscle tone or muscle movements (such as twitching, stiffening or limp muscles), in behaviors, sensations and usually also in awareness.

Seizures are typically categorized as being either focal onset or generalized onset. Focal onset seizures (also sometimes called partial seizures) are those that start in a particular area and can spread across the brain, causing either mild or severe symptoms, dependent on how exactly the electrical impulses are spreading. Generalized can either start as focal seizures which proceed to spread to both sides of the brain, or they can occur when the seizure begins simultaneously on both sides of the brain.

Epilepsy is a chronic disorder, characterized by the recurrence or unprovoked seizures. People with epilepsy may have one or more types of seizures.

CBD oil for seizures: What causes seizures?

Focal seizures can be caused by focal injury that leaves scars on the brain. Some examples include trauma, stroke or meningitis. In children with focal seizures, these are commonly caused by developmental scarring on the brain that occurs as part of fetal growth and early growth. Generalized onset seizures are most commonly caused by an imbalance of electrical activity in the brain, between the inhibitory and excitatory circuits (the brakes and the accelerator). It is not clear what causes generalized seizures; genetics are not thought to be a significant contributing factor.

CBD oil for seizures: How it may help

The Epilepsy Foundation reports that around 30% of people with epilepsy find it difficult to control their seizures with conventional medications; for these people, it may be worthwhile discussing with their doctor if CBD oil for seizures can be of benefit.

It is unclear exactly how CBD oil for seizures works; the mechanisms are still not fully understood. However, the current animal research suggests that the anti-seizure effects of CBD possibly come about by reducing neuron (nerve cell) excitability by acting upon GPR55 and TRPV1 receptors. The research in this area is ongoing.

CBD oil for seizures: What the current research says

Early evidence that has been collected from laboratory studies, anecdotal evidence and small clinical studies over the years suggests that there is potential in using CBD oil for seizures control. Formal research on CBD oil for seizures in the past has been limited, largely due to the strict government regulations around cannabis.

In recent years, following the reschedule of cannabidiol, a number of new research studies have come to light, highlighting the potential benefits for CBD oil for seizures.  Research has found that CBD oil has the ability to enhance the effect of the anti-seizure medication clobazam, and possibly other anti-seizure medications too.

Another study examined the effects of CBD on seizure activity in 55 people with four different epileptic syndromes. The average frequency of seizures across all the participants has reduced by more than half, and the improved rate persisted for the entire duration of the 48-week study.

CBD oil for seizures: In conclusion…

The current research into CBD oil for seizures is promising and certainly warrants further investigation by researchers. If you are considering trying CBD oil for seizures of any type, it is important to consult with your doctor first, as some drugs that are used to control seizures may interact with CBD oil.

Disclaimer

The content of this blog entitled ‘CBD Oil for Seizures- Current Information’, is intended for informational purposes only. This blog is not intended to diagnose or treat any type of illness or health condition, and as such it should not be taken as general or medical advice. Transcending Organics always recommends that you seek the recommendation of your doctor or other trusted health professional for an accurate diagnosis.

References

Epilepsy Foundation, (2021), ‘Medical Marijuana and Epilepsy’,[https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/treating-seizures-and-epilepsy/other-treatment-approaches/medical-marijuana-and-epilepsy], accessed 7/07/21.

Gaston, T. E., Szaflarski, J. P., (2018), ‘Cannabis for the Treatment of Epilepsy: au Update’, 18(11),[https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30194563/], accessed 07/07/21.

Geffrey, A. L., Pollack, S. F., Bruno, P.L., Thiele, E. A., (2015), ‘Drug-drug interaction between clobazam and cannabidiol in children with refractory epilepsy’, Epilepsia, 56(8),[https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26114620/], accessed 07/07/21.

Gray, R. A., Whalley, B. J., (2020), ‘the proposed mechanisms of action of CBD in epilepsy’, Epileptic Disorders, 22(1),[https://doi.org/10.1684/epd.2020.1135], accessed 07/07/21.

John Hopkin’s Medicine, (2021), ‘Types of Seizures’,[https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/epilepsy/types-of-seizures#:~:text=A%20seizure%20is%20a%20burst,sensations%20or%20states%20of%20awareness], accessed 07/07/21.

Morano, A., Fanella, M., Albini, M., Cifelli, P., Palma, E., Giallornardo, A. T., di Bonaventura, C., (2020), ‘Cannabinoid in the Treatment of Epilepsy: Current Status and Future Prospects’, 16,[https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7012327/], accessed 07/07/21.