Marajuana, or Cannabis is a plant that most of us are familiar with worldwide. The majority of people use cannabis as a way to “escape from the world” or get high. Epilepsy is a neurological disorder caused by abnormal electrical discharges in the brain. A result of an attack, or convulsion, may include loss of consiousness, altered motor activity or altered awareness of one’s surroundings. Although the reasoning for sudden seizures in young children is not well-known, pediatric clients have a positive outlook on life. Treatment is primarily composed of Anticonvulsants, or antiseizure medications. There are cases where medications are not enough for the patient, which leads to refractory epilepsy. Those with refractory epilepsy suffer from convulsions even with medications ranging from multiple times a month to multiple times a day. Over the past few years, there have been unofficial studies conducted that have tested the effects of the component, Cannabidoil (CBD), and seizures.
How Cannabis is broken down
- psychoactive substance used for medicidal or recreational use
- broken down as THC(psychoactive) and CBD(not psychoactive)
- Used in 1500 BC China for insomnia and nausea
- Binds to receptor in the endocannabinoid system and causes “effects”
Why has CBD been tested for refractory seizures?
CBD has anti-seizure properties as it binds to receptors, or a lock-and-key, in the central nervous system. Families have attempted to obtain CBD oil through local growers as a last resort. Although it has shown to reduce seizure activity, it is considered a control substance by the federal government. On average, children using CBD oil have tried over ten forms of anti-seizure medications before trying CBD. Studies have shown a decrease in seizure activity with CBD oil and seizure intensity. One subject, Molly Hendershot, was given a placebo during a trial. When given the actual oil, she became seizure free for two months.
What are the negatives to CBD treatment?
With any controlled substance, there is a potential for abuse, specifically towards older children and teenagers. Although CBD has shown through studies its effectiveness when used with conventional seizure medication, patients may develop a tolerance to the CBD. According to a study that was conducted at the American Epilepsy Society, one in three patients that used CBD for seizures develop a tolerance to the medication over time.The majority of the patients do not develop a tolerance, making it a successful addition to a seizure regime.
What is the takeaway for parents?
- Placing the CBD product out of child’s reach
- educating child (when age appropriate) with that they are taking
- continual appointments with neurologist and epilepsy specialist
- knowing federal laws in state in concerns with medicinal cannnabis
- track efficiency
- continuation of anti-seizure medication
References
Engelke, Z., Schub, T. (2018). Parent Teaching: teaching parents about epilepsy in children. Cinahl Information Systems. 1-8.
Gordon, D. [Dr Dani Gordon MD]. (2019, June 7). CBD, Cannabis And Epilepsy: Medical Cannabis To Treat Epilepsy and Seizures. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eTb9bbPltE4
Fong, S. L. & Kossoff, E.H. (2018). Cannabinoids as future treatment for epilepsy. Contemporary Pediatrics. 35(11). 11-12.
Marcu, J. Matthews, A. S. & Lee, M. A. (2016, May 17). Is CBD really non-psychoactive? Retrieved from https://www.projectcbd.org/science/how-cbd-works
Mount Sinai Health System. (2018, March 30). CDB oil and epilepsy. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKsNlJm5PDo
Neurology Reviews. (2016, May 1). caring for children with seizures who use cannabidoids. Retrieved from https://www.mdedge.com/neurology/epilepsyresourcecenter/article/108565/epilepsy-seizures/caring-children-seizures
NYU Langone Health. (2017, May 25). Cannabis derivative cannabidoil reduces epilepsy seizures. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWF9MmiQUA4
Schuman, A. J. (2019). Cannabidoil use in children. Contemporary Pediatrics. 36(9). 40-44.
Zimlich, R. (2019). CBD oil’s effect may wane in managing seizures. Contemporary Pediatrics. 36(5). 22-24
Vanessa – I have always found it fascinating how cannabis can have an effect an individual with Epilepsy. The media that you chose was informative. I particularly liked the human receptor model because it gave me a better understanding of where this stimulant can have an effect throughout the body. I am aware that there has been some research on tremors and this media that you shared helps to get a better understanding of that as well. There will most likely be controversy related to this because it is a drug, so the fact that you put some safety precautions on your post was purposeful. Nicely done!