CBD for children with epilepsy

 

Is CBD for children with epilepsy a good idea? CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound found in the cannabis plant. Researchers find therapeutic benefits for a variety of conditions, including epilepsy. 

Studies have shown that CBD can help reduce the number of seizures in children with certain forms of epilepsy, such as Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. CBD works by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate various functions, including sleep, appetite, and pain.

So CBD for children with epilepsy is far from a fringe idea. There are plenty of benefits to CBD. That said, it’s important to note that while CBD is relatively safe, it can still have side effects and may interact with other medications. It’s important to consult with a pediatrician before giving CBD to a child.

 

Why Does CBD Work for Epilepsy?

Dravet syndrome is a rare and severe form of epilepsy that typically develops in the first year of life and is characterized by frequent, prolonged seizures and developmental delays. The exact cause of Dravet syndrome is not well understood. Researchers think it is related to mutations in a specific gene that regulates the activity of certain ion channels in the brain.

Likewise, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) is a rare and severe form of childhood-onset epilepsy characterized by multiple types of seizures, including tonic (stiffening) seizures, atonic (loss of muscle tone) seizures and atypical absence seizures. The cause of LGS is not well understood. Researchers think it may be related to brain damage caused by injury or infection, genetic mutations, or other underlying medical conditions.

Researchers have found CBD effective in reducing the frequency and severity of seizures in some children with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome. The exact mechanism by which CBD works for LGS or Dravet syndrome is not fully understood. Still, it likely works by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS).

The ECS is a network of receptors and neurotransmitters that, as mentioned, help regulate a variety of functions, including sleep, appetite, pain, and mood. CBD affects the ECS by binding to the brain’s receptors, which helps modulate the activity of the neurotransmitters involved in seizures.

Some research suggests that CBD may also help to reduce inflammation in the brain, which researchers think may be contributing factor in some forms of epilepsy. CBD may also help reduce the formation of scar tissue in the brain, which can also contribute to seizures.

 

Does inflammation in the brain cause epilepsy in children?

Inflammation in the brain has been suggested as a possible contributing factor in the development of epilepsy in children, although it is not fully understood.

Research has shown that children with epilepsy often have higher levels of inflammatory markers in their brains and blood compared to children without epilepsy. Additionally, children with certain forms of epilepsy, such as those caused by brain injury or infection, may have evidence of inflammation in the brain.

Some studies have suggested that inflammation may play a role in the development of seizures by altering the activity of neurotransmitters and receptors in the brain or causing changes in the brain’s structure. However, more research is needed to understand the relationship between inflammation and epilepsy in children fully.

It’s also important to note that there are many causes of epilepsy, and not all cases of epilepsy are caused by inflammation. Additionally, while some researchers have suggested inflammation as a contributing factor, it is not the only factor. Other factors such as genetics, brain malformations, or brain injury also play a role.

So let’s examine how CBD can help each of these factors.

 

Does CBD help with brain injury?

Some evidence suggests that CBD may have potential therapeutic benefits for people with brain injuries. CBD has neuroprotective properties, which may help protect the brain from damage. CBD may also help to promote the growth of new brain cells, which is vital for recovery after brain injury.

It has also been investigated for its potential to help alleviate symptoms associated with traumatic brain injuries, such as anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances. However, more research is needed to understand CBD’s effects on brain injury fully.

 

What if brain malformations cause Epilepsy?

There is limited research on the use of CBD for brain malformations. Brain malformations refer to congenital abnormalities in the brain that can happen during the development of the brain in the womb. Various factors, such as genetic mutations or environmental factors, can cause this.

Studies suggest that CBD may have potential therapeutic benefits for neurological conditions, including those caused by brain malformations, due to its anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties. However, this topic needs more research first.

 

 

 

 

Can CBD fix poor genetics?

Children with epilepsy can also be the result of poor genetics. Can CBD help? Unfortunately, CBD cannot fix poor genetics. Genetic mutations or variations are the underlying cause of many diseases and conditions, including some forms of epilepsy like Dravet Syndrome or Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome.

CBD may help to alleviate symptoms associated with these conditions. Still, it cannot change or repair the underlying genetic mutations. While CBD effectively reduces the frequency and severity of seizures in some children with Dravet Syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome, these conditions are caused by genetic mutations that CBD cannot fix.

It’s important to note that while CBD has therapeutic benefits for various conditions, we’re not promoting snake oil. CBD is not a cure-all for everything and cannot fix the underlying cause of all diseases.

That said, plenty of research indicates CBD helps manage the symptoms of epilepsy, especially in children.

 

CBD for children with epilepsy: Organics vs. Patented Medicines 

Maybe, as a parent, you’re hesitant about giving your child “marihuana.” When it comes to CBD for children with epilepsy, you could go the pharmaceutical route.

Currently, there is only one FDA-approved drug that contains CBD, which is called Epidiolex. Epidiolex is a liquid solution of pure CBD. Doctors use it to treat the two rare and severe forms of epilepsy we’ve been discussing: Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. 

The FDA approved Epidiolex in June 2018 after clinical trials showed that it effectively reduced the frequency and severity of seizures in children and adults with these forms of epilepsy.

In the European Union (EU), there is also one approved drug that contains CBD. It is called Epidyolex, which is the same as Epidiolex in the US. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) approved Epidyolex in September 2019.

But suppose you’re not interested in patented pharmaceuticals. In that case, Green Cuisine is there to help. We offer the highest quality CBD available. We source our CBD from organic hemp flowers grown in the sub-alpine regions of Slovenia. Our CO2 extraction process keeps solvents and other residues from showing up in the final product.

So whether you’re interested in balms, drops, hash, herbs, powder, drinks, vapes, or herbals, Green Cuisine has got you covered. No need to choose between having your child take Epidiolex or smoking something you’re not too sure about.

From drinks to drops, we can provide. You may find CBD cream is the best way to resolve your child’s epilepsy. 

 

CBD for children with epilepsy

Studies have shown that CBD can help reduce the number of seizures in children. CBD works by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate various functions such as sleep, appetite, and pain.

But it’s important to consult with a pediatrician before giving CBD to a child. CBD can still have side effects and may interact with other medications.

That said, CBD is generally considered safe, tolerable and effective. Even for children.