Epilepsy is a group of neurological disorders characterized by recurrent seizures.
Epileptic seizures are episodes that can vary from brief and nearly undetectable periods to long periods of vigorous shaking. The seizures have a tendency to recur. People with epilepsy may experience varying degrees of social stigma due to their condition.
The underlying mechanism of epileptic seizures is excessive and abnormal neuronal activity in the cortex of the brain. The reason this occurs in most cases of epilepsy is unknown. Some cases occur as the result of brain injury, stroke, brain tumors, infections of the brain, or birth defects.
Seizures are controllable with medication in about 70% of cases. In some people, seizures do not respond to medication, or appropriate surgery. Use of medicinal cannabis to treat epilepsy has been studied for a number of years.
In June 25, 2018, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) approved EPIDIOLEX® (cannabidiol, CBD) oral solution for the treatment of seizures associated with certain epilepsy syndromes.
Further research is underway about using Medicinal cannabis to treat difficult to manage Epilepsy.
How can Medicinal Cannabis help my epilepsy?
Since Medicinal Cannabis has been beneficial in only certain types of epilepsy syndromes, this should only be managed by specialist Neurologists.
This should be discussed with the Doctor during your consultation and you will receive appropriate advice about your options and referral to specialists.
