Epilepsy

BY HEATHER DEROSE

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder associated with sudden surges of electrical activity in the brain which cause seizures. There are over 65 million people in the world living with the condition, and epilepsy is the fourth most common neurological disorder in the United States. One in 26 people will experience a seizure at some point in their life. There are over 40 different types of seizures a person can experience. The term intractable epilepsy refers to the condition when seizures cannot be controlled by medications. It may also be referred to as refractory, uncontrolled, or drug-resistant epileptic seizures. Over 1/3 of people living with the condition have intractable epilepsy. This is typically because the medicine doesn’t work to stop seizure occurrence, it stops working, or causes severe side effects making it challenging to use. If medicines prescribed do not work, doctors may prescribe a high fat, low-carb lifestyle change, vagus nerve stimulation, brain surgery, or experimental trials.

TRYING A NATURAL PLANT MEDICINE THAT HAS THE POTENTIAL TO DRAMATICALLY CHANGE A PERSON’S LIFE, VERSUS HARSH MEDICATIONS, IMPLANTS, OR SURGERY SEEMS LIKE A NO-BRAINER.

The Epilepsy Foundation still only recommends trying CBD oil after exhausting all conventional treatment options. With so many suffering from uncontrollable seizures who face the possibility of brain surgery (which has no guaranteed results), implants, and medicines with debilitating side effects being the “only” options, it’s not surprising many people are taking their health into their own hands and trying cannabis first instead of as a last resort. Trying a natural plant medicine that has the potential to dramatically change a person’s life, versus harsh medications, implants, or surgery seems like a no-brainer. Especially when there are studies and anecdotal evidence to show how cannabis therapy has drastically improved the quality of life for so many people living with epilepsy. Epidolex is the first plant-derived, FDA-approved single cannabinoid treatment option. However, this drug only offers one of the over 100 cannabinoids in a cannabis plant and no other phytonutrient properties. However, the company-conducted trials in the treatment of Lennox-Gastaut Styndrome reduced drop seizure compared to placebo. It is also used to treat Dravet sydrome. Both are rare forms of severe epilepsy.

These results are promising for those suffering from seizures and offer an alternative to surgery and side effects. However, science shows how whole plant medicine works within each person’s ECS to create the entourage effect and increase efficacy of the medicinal properties and results. In addition, Epidolex is expensive and only offers one cannabinoid, which is one reason why patients are becoming refugees in states where they have access to legal cannabis. The research study, “On the application of cannabis in pediatrics and epileptology,” concluded that THC should be considered in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases in adults and children.

Despite the Epilepsy Foundation recommending trying cannabis after conventional treatment options, they are advocating for both state and federal barriers to be removed from cannabis research and support access to medical cannabis as a valuable resource for families. For parents and those with epilepsy, the Realm of Caring Foundation specializes in providing resources for those interested in trying cannabis therapy for themselves or their children. The foundation was cofounded by Heather Barnes Jackson (whose son has epilepsy) and the family who developed Charlotte’s Web for a pediatric epilepsy patient. The foundation also partners with several cannabis brands they give their approval to provide families with safe plant-based medicines. They also work with hospitals, doctors, and researchers to continue to learn about cannabis as medicine, in addition to providing education to the public and healthcare professionals. They also offer connections to participate in research studies to further learn about cannabis and epilepsy.

FAMILIES ARE CHOOSING CANNABIS OVER BRAIN SURGERY OR HARSH MEDICATIONS

For the millions of people living with epilepsy, their futures often seem uncertain. With anecdotal evidence emerging in the community and more research showing cannabis can reduce seizure occurrence in those with intractable epilepsy, families are choosing cannabis over brain surgery or harsh medications for their children or themselves. For many families and children, having a natural option that may drastically improve their quality of life is a literal life saver. Yet, there are so many places cannabis is restricted or limited, which makes more research difficult to conduct. We encourage you to support and share information and stories and come out of the green closet to break down stigmas surrounding this plant medicine. We can all work together to expand access to those most in need and save lives all around us.