Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that affects people of all ages. It can cause seizures that range in severity from a brief disturbance in the brain rhythm to uncontrolled shaking and loss of consciousness. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to treating epilepsy, but CBD is an effective treatment for some people.
CBD is becoming more and more popular as a treatment for epilepsy. There is some evidence that it can be effective in reducing the number of seizures people with the condition experience. Some people are concerned about using cannabis products, but there is evidence that CBD is safe and effective. There are many different ways to consume CBD, including sublingual drops, capsules, edible gummies, topical creams and balms, vape oils, and more. All of these products are available online at head shops like Smoke Cartel, where people can get extensive information on every product and the benefits that it provides. And because epilepsy can be a debilitating condition, any treatment that can help reduce the number of seizures people experience is worth considering. Keep reading to learn more about CBD and how it can be used to treat epilepsy.
An introduction to CBD and its potential medical benefits
CBD is one of the main active ingredients in the cannabis plant. THC is the other main active ingredient that is known for its psychoactive effects, making it popular for recreational use. Unlike THC, CBD has no psychoactive effects however it has many health benefits which makes it a popular form of treatment in the medical marijuana community. Some popular medical benefits of CBD include the following:
- Pain relief
- Anti-inflammatory
- Anxiety relief
- Anti-depressant
- Helps with epilepsy
- Helps with seizures
CBD can be used and consumed in multiple ways and forms which cater to the needs and lifestyles of all consumers. For example, if you are experiencing pain and inflammation of your skin or muscles, you can use topicals that are applied directly onto the skin’s surface and aid in target relief of these symptoms. CBD is also commonly consumed orally through edibles in the form of food and drinks as well as sublingually via tinctures. These methods of consumption are considered the safest and the healthiest which makes them ideal for those consuming cannabis for medical purposes. There are some side effects of consuming CBD that you should keep in mind including dry mouth, reduced appetite, fatigue, drowsiness, and diarrhea, however, these side effects do not manifest with every user. To reduce the risks of developing these side effects, ensure you are consuming the right dosage and do not consume if you are already taking pharmaceuticals.
To choose the right CBD oil, you need to first determine what you will be using it for and then you need to look at the THC level, it should contain up to 0,3% THC only which will not make you high. The source of the hemp that CBD is derived from is also paramount because you want something organic and grown in nutrient-dense soil. Other things to consider are how the product was extracted and if it has been third-party tested. Unless advised differently by a doctor, you should start with 10 -20 mg of CBD a day before increasing intake.
CBD and epilepsy: the connection
Seizures are typically caused by changes that happen in the electrical activity in the brain and this can be due to many causes including epilepsy, brain injury, or even sleep deprivation to name a few. CBD oil has been linked to helping treat different types of seizures by preventing seizures altogether. CBD does this by modifying and interacting with the receptors in the endocannabinoid system which is responsible for regulating functions such as sleep, appetite, pain, and immune system response. Research on animals suggests that CBD has anti-seizure effects that come from reducing neuron excitability through the interaction with GPR55 and TRPV 1 receptors. There is even a CBD prescription drug available called Epidiolex, which has been approved by the FDA as a treatment for seizures. You need to consult with a doctor to get your hands on this medication.
How to use CBD to treat epilepsy
Like we’ve mentioned earlier, if you wish to take CBD to treat seizures, you need to speak with your doctor first so that he or she can recommend the best way to administer it as well as the dosage and any precautions, especially if you are on other medication. If you want to consume Epidolex, it is recommended that you consume 2.5mg twice daily and after 1 week, you can increase your dose to 5mg twice daily. Alternatively, you can consume tinctures sublingually. Possible side effects include dizziness, fatigue, and loss of appetite.
