Cannabis and Epilepsy: How It’s Helping Patients in the UK
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurring seizures. While anti-seizure medications have long been the primary treatment, they don’t work for everyone, and some patients experience adverse side effects. In recent years, medical cannabis has emerged as a potential treatment for epilepsy, particularly in the form of CBD (cannabidiol), a non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis. This guide explores how cannabis is helping epilepsy patients in the UK.
- Cannabis as a Treatment for Seizures
The active ingredient in cannabis that has shown promise for treating epilepsy is CBD. Unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning it doesn’t produce the “high” typically associated with cannabis. Research has shown that CBD can reduce the frequency and severity of seizures, particularly in forms of epilepsy that are resistant to traditional medications.
- Epidiolex: A Cannabis-Based Treatment
- How Does CBD Work for Epilepsy?
The exact mechanism through which CBD helps to control seizures is still under research. By modulating this system, CBD may help stabilize electrical activity in the brain, reducing the occurrence of seizures.
- Efficacy and Research
Several clinical studies have shown promising results for CBD in treating epilepsy. In a study of patients with Dravet syndrome, a rare and severe form of epilepsy, CBD reduced the frequency of seizures in a significant portion of participants.
- Legal Status of Cannabis for Epilepsy in the UK
To access these treatments, patients must go through a specialist doctor and meet specific criteria.
- Benefits of CBD for Epilepsy Patients
Improved Quality of Life: By reducing seizures, CBD can help improve the overall quality of life for people with epilepsy. This includes better cognitive function, improved sleep, and a reduction in the anxiety that often accompanies frequent seizures.
- Side Effects and Considerations
- How to Access Medical Cannabis for Epilepsy in the UK