Epilepsy
Understanding Epilepsy
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What is epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that affects the brain, causing unexpected seizures or convulsions.
This is a chronic condition that can occur at any age and have a significant impact on a person’s life. With appropriate treatment and management, it is possible to live a fulfilling life with epilepsy.
The causes of epilepsy
Epilepsy can have many different causes, which may include:
- Genetics
- Brain injury
- Abnormal brain development
- Infection
- Stroke
- Brain tumour
- Development disorders
In some cases, the cause may be unknown.
People with epilepsy may have a family history of the condition, indicating a genetic predisposition. Brain injury or abnormal development can also cause epilepsy, with risk factors including brain infections, lack of oxygen during birth, head injuries, and brain tumours. Certain infections, such as meningitis and encephalitis, can also lead to epilepsy, while strokes can cause damage to the brain that results in seizures.
Symptoms of epilepsy
The primary symptom of epilepsy is seizures, which can be partial or generalised. Partial seizures occur when only one part of the brain is affected, while generalised seizures affect the entire brain.
Other symptoms commonly associated with epilepsy include convulsions, muscle spasms, loss of consciousness, staring spells, and sudden falls. Some people may also experience sensory symptoms such as tingling or seeing flashing lights, sounds, or smells before a seizure occurs.
The severity and frequency of symptoms can vary from person to person and depends on the type of epilepsy a person has.
Treatment for epilepsy
Traditional treatment options
Treatment for epilepsy typically involves a combination of medication and lifestyle changes.
While there are many different types of medications that may be used to treat epilepsy, the goal is for these medications to help control seizures. The type of medication prescribed will depend on the type and severity of epilepsy.
Lifestyle changes may include maintaining a regular sleep schedule, avoiding alcohol and recreational drugs, and managing stress levels. In some cases, surgery or other medical procedures may be necessary to control seizures.
Alternative treatment options
When patients fail to find relief with traditional treatments, it’s not uncommon for them to search for an alternative option.
In recent years, clinical research has been conducted to examine the efficacy and safety of using medical cannabis as a possible treatment alternative for patients with epilepsy. One study examined the interactions between cannabidiol and commonly used antiepileptic drugs. The results showed that CBD did not significantly interact with these drugs and may be used safely in combination with them to treat epilepsy [5].
Medicinal cannabis has shown promise as a treatment for epilepsy, particularly in cases where conventional treatments have failed. However, it’s important to consult with a qualified medical professional before using medicinal cannabis.
Using medical cannabis may benefit patients looking for relief from neurological disorders chronic pain and sleep disturbances [6]. While some potential risks and side effects are associated with cannabis use, other patients have found it a safe and effective treatment option.
How medicinal cannabis works
Before diving into the pros and cons of using medicinal cannabis, it’s helpful to understand how cannabis works in the body.
The human body has an endocannabinoid system (ECS) that regulates various physiological processes, including pain, mood, appetite, and sleep. The ECS consists of a network of receptors and enzymes that interact with endocannabinoids, which are naturally occurring compounds in the body that are similar to the cannabinoids found in cannabis.
When cannabis is consumed, the THC and CBD in the plant interact with the ECS in the body. THC binds to cannabinoid receptors in the brain and body, producing various effects, including pain relief, relaxation, and altered perception. Conversely, CBD does not bind to cannabinoid receptors but instead interacts with other body receptors involved in inflammation, pain, and mood regulation.
Potential benefits of medical cannabis for epilepsy
Reduction in seizure frequency
In 2013, researchers focused a study around the efficacy of cannabidiol-enriched cannabis in children with treatment-resistant epilepsy. When the parents of the children where surveyed, results showed that over 80% of parents reported a reduction in seizure frequency [8].
Additionally, another study in 2016 surveyed the parents of 74 children with intractable epilepsy who used CBD-enriched medical cannabis. Results showed that 89% of patients experienced a reduction in seizure frequency [9].
Although theses studies have shown potentially promising results for patients with epilepsy, it’s important to understand that there are possible risks, as outlined below.
Complete seizure freedom
In other studies, parents and caregivers were surveyed to examine both the reduction of seizure frequency and if there was a potential for medical cannabis to provide a treatment that offered complete freedom from seizures.
In the above mentioned 2013 study, parents also revealed data that showed 11% of children reported complete seizure freedom [8].
Lennox-Gastaut syndrome is one of the most severe types of epilepsy, with seizures commonly beginning in children under 4 years old. One study surveyed caregivers of children with infantile spasms and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome who used cannabidiol-enriched cannabis extracts. The results showed that 62% of caregivers reported a reduction in seizure frequency, and 34% reported complete seizure freedom [10].
While these studies offer insight into the potential benefits of medicinal cannabis as a treatment, research may lack data from well-powered double-blind randomised, controlled studies on the efficacy of pure CBD for any disorder.
Pain relief
Another potential benefit of using medicinal cannabis for epilepsy is pain relief. The cannabinoids in cannabis interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating pain perception. For some, cannabis is effective in reducing pain, particularly chronic pain.
In a 2015 study, researchers found that cannabis use was associated with significantly reduced pain and stiffness in patients who suffered from chronic pain [7].
*The above studies highlight the potential benefits of medicinal cannabis, but do have some limitations that need to be considered. These limitations may include: a relatively small sample size, use of self-reported data rather than objective measures, and not measuring the long-term effects of cannabis use or exploring the different strains/types of cannabis used, which may have an impact on the observed effects.
Potential side effects
Like any medication, medicinal cannabis can have side effects. While medicinal cannabis may benefit some patients, it is vital to understand the potential risks and side effects. Common side effects of cannabis use include dry mouth, dizziness, and increased heart rate. Some people may also experience anxiety or paranoia.
It is also important to note that medicinal cannabis can interact with other medications, so it is essential to talk to your doctor before using cannabis.
Finding the right dose
When using medicinal cannabis, finding the correct dose that provides maximum benefits with minimal side effects is essential. Everyone’s tolerance and sensitivity to cannabis are different, so finding the right dose may take some trial and error.
Working with a healthcare provider who specialises in medicinal cannabis can be helpful in finding the correct dose and product for your specific needs.
The legal status of medicinal cannabis in Australia
In Australia, the use of medicinal cannabis is legal under certain circumstances. In 2021, the Australian government amended its Narcotics Drugs Act to allow for the cultivation and manufacture of medicinal cannabis products for therapeutic use [1].
To access medicinal cannabis in Australia, patients must have a valid prescription from a healthcare provider and obtain their medication from a licensed medicinal supplier. Medicinal cannabis is unavailable over the counter and cannot be legally grown or produced by patients for personal use.
While the legal framework for medicinal cannabis in Australia is still relatively new, there is growing awareness of its therapeutic potential for various medical conditions, including fibromyalgia.
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Studies show that medicinal cannabis may benefit epileptic patients looking for relief from seizures and associated symptoms.
If a person is deemed by a qualified medical professional to be a suitable candidate for treatment, medicinal cannabis may be used to treat epilepsy in the form of oils, tinctures, or capsules. If you’re considering using medicinal cannabis for fibromyalgia, it’s essential to work with a healthcare provider, to better understand your options and to determine if you are a suitable candidate for medical cannabis treatment.
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