Seizures are the result of electrical activity in the brain, and as such, involve problems with the central and peripheral nervous systems. CBD oil reacts favourably with these nervous systems, and can therefore be effective in the treatment of seizures.
Types of seizures
There are several different types of seizures that can be caused by a range of conditions, including:
- Epilepsy
- Brain injuries
- Brain infections
- Electrolyte imbalances
- Drug overdoses
- Sleep deprivation
CBD oil can be beneficial in treating some types of seizures. Let’s take a look at how this works.
CBD and seizures
While research is still continuing into the effectiveness of CBD oil for treating seizures, the signs are positive. The human body contains a system of neurotransmitters and receptors. These are chemical structures and is known as the endocannabinoid system. This particular set of transmitters is thought to control functions such as appetite, sleep, pain and also the immune system.
CBD oil is thought to modify two groups of receptors known as GPR55 and TRPV1. The reaction between CBD oil and these receptors can reduce neuron excitability, therefore decreasing the risk or the severity of seizures.
In fact, a CBD product called Epidolex is already approved by the FDA for the treatment of two rare forms of epilepsy – Lennox-Gastaut and Dravet syndromes. It can also be used to treat seizures caused by tuberous sclerosis complex.
Studies on CBD and seizures
For Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome
Two studies have shown positive results for sufferers of Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome. The first used 20mg doses of Epidolex with half the participants and a placebo for the other half. The placebo participants recorded 22% fewer seizures, while those given Epidolex reported 44% fewer seizures.
A similar study used 10mg doses of Epidolex, 20mg doses of Epidolex and a placebo. The Epidolex groups reported 37% and 42% fewer seizures respectively, while the placebo group only reported 17% fewer seizures.
For Dravet Syndrome
A clinical trial for sufferers of Dravet Syndrome, a rare form of epilepsy, used a similar method to test the effectiveness of CBD oil on seizures.
Participants were given 20mg of Epidolex or a placebo. Those who took Epidolex experienced a 39% decrease in seizures while placebo participants reported a 17% decrease.
For tuberous sclerosis complex
Tuberous sclerosis is a genetic disorder affecting around 1 in 6000 people. It causes non-cancerous tumours to grow in various parts of the body, with tumours in the brain leading to seizures.
A clinical trial with 148 participants used 25mg and 50mg doses of Epidolex compared with a placebo group. The improvement showed 48% for Epidolex users and 24% for the placebo group.
CBD oil for other types of seizures
While no CBD products have been approved for use with other types of seizures, research is promising. A study in 2018 involving sufferers of four different types of epilepsy showed almost a 38% decrease in seizures for those using CBD, and this improvement was maintained throughout 48 weeks of the study.
Always consult a doctor first
As with all medical issues, it’s worth consulting with your doctor before using CBD oil. While research is very positive that it may reduce your seizures, there are concerns such as interactions with other medications. CBD oil can actually enhance the effectiveness of some epilepsy medications, but you should still speak to your doctor first.
