In recent years, several studies have shown that marijuana can help treat some types of seizure disorders. A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine suggests that cannabis can significantly reduce seizures in children. The results show that it reduces the frequency of seizures by up to 90 percent. In addition, it reduces the amount of time that patients must take traditional medications for epilepsy. However, an outside expert cautions parents against using marijuana for their children.
Epilepsy is classified into a variety of syndromes, each with their own symptoms. The severity of seizures and the part of the brain affected vary by syndrome. One of the most severe forms of epilepsy is called Dravet syndrome. This condition affects one in every 16,000 infants, and it causes frequent, prolonged seizures that can be dangerous. For this reason, traditional prescription medicines are ineffective and can have negative side effects.
It is unclear if marijuana can be used to control seizures in children. Some studies, however, are still in their early stages. The study was done in children with Epilepsy and strains with larger CBD are effective in some cases. Pharma grade medical cannabis can be used safely for children with epilepsy. The drug should not be taken for any other condition. You should consult with your doctor before using any drug or recommending it to others
CBD Treatment Decreased Seizure Frequency In Children With Epilepsy
A recent trial conducted at New York University Comprehensive Epilepsy Center found that CBD treatment decreased seizure frequency in children with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. The patients in the cannabidiol group experienced a 39 percent reduction in frequency, while the placebo group showed a 13 percent reduction. This study shows that cannabis oil has the potential to help patients with epilepsy. The researchers believe that it can be used to treat both types of seizures, including those caused by Dravet syndrome.
For those with epilepsy, medical marijuana is the best option for treating the symptoms. It is a legal alternative that has no known adverse effects. Its benefits outweigh its disadvantages.
Medical Marijuana Is Effective For Controlling The Seizures Of Children With Dravet Syndrome
A study in Colorado reported that marijuana oil is effective for controlling the seizures of children with Dravet syndrome. The drug also reduced the frequency of other types of seizures in the child. It has been used for epilepsy for more than 40 years and is not illegal in most states. It does not have side effects. Its safety and efficacy is unknown. The study’s results are preliminary and need further research.
Can Medical Marijuana Help With Seizure Disorders In Children?
While the results are mixed, some doctors believe it can improve the condition of the children. A recent study conducted by GW Pharmaceuticals and Columbia University showed that a cannabis-based compound, Epidiolex, reduced the frequency of seizures in a group of 120 patients with Dravet syndrome. Its effects on patients with Epilepsy was similar to those of people who took the drug.
It has been proven that cannabis can help with epilepsy, but it does not affect all people suffering from the disorder. In some cases, the benefits of marijuana over other treatments are not attributed to the drug’s side effects.
Bottom Line
In a recent study, examined the effects of the cannabis derivative cannabidiol on patients with Dravet syndrome. They compared the drug to a placebo. The cannabidiol drug reduced seizure frequency by 58 percent in the study. The study also found that cannabis can prevent seizures in a number of other patients. Its safety and efficacy in this case are unknown.
While there are a number of different types of epilepsy, the majority of these cases are unrecognized. While the effects of marijuana on children may be mild to moderate, the side effects are still unknown. In a trial of four children, the participants reported a 54 percent and 89 percent decrease in seizure frequency. A third study showed no adverse effects. And it was a placebo for the other two studies.