Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the major naturally occurring cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant, but unlike the well-known THC, it does not cause psychoactive effects, meaning it does not create a “high.” In recent years, CBD has gained considerable attention as a potential treatment for a variety of health problems, including epilepsy.
Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by the sudden onset of unprovoked recurrent epileptic seizures.
A simple way to describe a seizure is that a large number of brain cells become excessively active at the same time, creating an electrical storm in the brain. Approximately one-third of patients do not respond adequately to standard antiseizure medications. This condition is known as drug-resistant epilepsy. In patients who do not meet the criteria for epilepsy surgery and for whom no appropriate precision therapy is available, palliative neuromodulation therapies may be considered.
CBD (cannabidiol), in the form of the drug Epidiolex®, is approved for the treatment of epileptic seizures associated with some rare syndromes, such as Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, Dravet syndrome, and Tuberous Sclerosis Complex. In some countries, this drug is approved for children over the age of 1, and in the European Union and the United Kingdom it is used for children aged 2 and older. But, in addition to these rare syndromes, CBD has also been shown to be effective in treating other forms of epilepsy that are not related to these specific conditions. Clinical studies have shown that CBD can reduce seizure frequency in some patients with drug-resistant epilepsy.
How does CBD work?
Scientists believe that CBD helps reduce the excessive activity in the brain that causes seizures. It does this by blocking certain receptors in the brain that play a role in increasing neuronal activity. The underlying mechanism of CBD’s effect on seizure reduction is multimodal, involving non- cannabinoid pathways, which may explain its strong anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective activity. CBD has both anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties, meaning that it can help protect brain cells and reduce inflammation, further enhancing the effectiveness of the treatment.
Is CBD safe?
CBD is generally well tolerated when used under medical supervision. However, you should consult a neurologist before starting treatment, as it may interact with other antiepileptic drugs. CBD has the potential to serve as an adjunctive therapy in drug-resistant epilepsy. However, further research is needed to fully understand its long-term effects.