CBD oil is gaining popularity in the medical field for treating various ailments, but that doesn’t mean we know everything about it. CBD oil is beneficial for many conditions including anxiety, mood disorders, trauma conditions, addiction, inflammatory diseases among others. [1]
While CBD is generally safe, it can have adverse side effects such as nausea and fatigue or liver abnormalities in high doses. It can also interact with medications and the full extent of this is also unknown. [2] Research to gauge the effects of CBD on certain conditions is ongoing and there is much to still be discovered about CBD. Based on recent studies, scientists believe that CBD oil helps also to suppress seizures. [3] What is CBD oil and how does it suppress these seizures?
What Triggers Seizures?
To fully understand how CBD oil suppresses seizures, we must understand how seizures are caused. Seizures are caused by a shift in the electrical activity of the brain. There are 4 main types of seizures: focal, generalized, combination focal and generalized, and unknown. [4] Seizures can be triggered by epilepsy, alcohol and drugs, electrolytes imbalance, sleep deprivation, brain injury, or a brain infection. [5]
How CBD Oil Suppresses Seizures
CBD oil is an active ingredient derived from cannabis. Scientists believe that CBD oil helps to suppress seizures by altering the levels of calcium in the brain, which reduces the speed at which signals are sent to the brain. [3] These signals help to regulate body functions such as sleep, pain and immune system response. It is thought that CBD can control these functions to stop seizures. [6] Higher levels of calcium trigger seizures by effecting electrical activity of the brain.
Currently Epidolex, a prescription form of CBD, is approved by the FDA to treat seizures caused by Lennox-Gastaut and Dravet syndrome and tuberous sclerosis complex. CBD oil interacts with some other seizure medications, although it’s full reach of interactions is not yet known. [2]
References:
[1] CBD oil: Uses, health benefits, and risks (medicalnewstoday.com) [2] CBD for Seizures- Use, Effectiveness, Side Effects, and More (neurocenternj.com) [3] What Research Says About CBD Oil | Northwestern Medicine [4] Types of Seizures | Epilepsy | CDC [5] Seizures (Generalized and Partial) Causes (webmd.com) [6] CBD Oil for Seizures: Use, Effectiveness, Side Effects, and More (healthline.com)Image: https://www.bigstockphoto.com/it/image-446354894/stock-photo-dropper-with-medical-cannabis-cbd-weed-oil-for-oral-administration-droplets-fall-into-a-small-brown
