Pot By-product Could Curb Robust-to-Deal with Epilepsy
Cannabidiol lowered frequency, severity of seizures in trials, however with no 'excessive'
WebMD Information from HealthDay
By Amy Norton
HealthDay Reporter
TUESDAY, Dec. 6, 2016 (HealthDay Information) -- A purified oral model of a marijuana compound could assist with treatment-resistant types of epilepsy, two new medical trials present.
The researchers discovered that the compound, cannabidiol (CBD), helped cut back seizure frequency in youngsters and adults with two hard-to-treat types of epilepsy: Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.
The drug continues to be experimental, and docs harassed that it didn't assist everybody and isn't a "treatment."
However, they known as the outcomes "very encouraging," given how troublesome it's to handle the seizure problems.
"It is at all times an excellent day when we have now a possible new possibility to supply these sufferers," mentioned Dr. Amy Brooks-Kayal, a pediatric neurologist at Youngsters's Hospital Colorado who was not concerned within the analysis.
She had one other caveat, nevertheless: The CBD used within the trials is a "purified, pharmaceutical-grade" tablet.
"That is very totally different from medical marijuana," Brooks-Kayal mentioned.
Dr. Elizabeth Thiele, one of many researchers who labored on the 2 trials, made the identical level. She mentioned the drug is "very distinct" from marijuana, which incorporates lots of of various compounds.
CBD is without doubt one of the foremost compounds, but it surely doesn't produce a "excessive," defined Thiele, who directs the pediatric epilepsy program at Massachusetts Common Hospital in Boston.
Researchers have turn into all in favour of testing CBD for treating epilepsy primarily based on research exhibiting it has anti-seizure properties. Precisely the way it works just isn't but clear, mentioned Thiele, who additionally serves as a marketing consultant to GW Prescription drugs, the corporate growing CBD as prescription remedy.
Epilepsy is a neurological dysfunction by which disruptions within the mind's electrical exercise set off seizures. Simply over 2 million People have the situation, in response to the Epilepsy Basis.
There are various totally different types of epilepsy, with Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) being pretty unusual.
Solely about 2 % to five % of kids with epilepsy have LGS -- which often includes mental impairment together with seizures, the Epilepsy Basis says. Dravet syndrome is a uncommon genetic situation that begins in infancy, inflicting extreme seizures and, most frequently, developmental issues.
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