Study: Cannabis Oil Reduces Seizures, Improves Quality of Life, in Those with Dravet Syndrome

Study: Cannabis Oil Reduces Seizures, Improves Quality of Life, in Those with Dravet Syndrome

According to a new study, cannabis oil (containing both CBD and THC) is effective in reducing seizure counts and improving quality of life measures in those with Dravet Syndrome.

The study, titled A prospective open-label trial of a CBD/THC cannabis oil in dravet syndrome, was published by the journal Annals of Clinical and Translational Neurology.  According to the Dravet Foundation, dravet syndrome, also known as Severe Myoclonic Epilepsy of Infancy (SMEI), “is a rare and catastrophic form of intractable epilepsy that begins in infancy”, with “an estimated incidence rate of 1:16,000 to 1:21,000”.

The study’s abstract starts by stating that “Both Δ⁹ Tetrahydrocannabidiol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) components of cannabis, have been shown to have anticonvulsant effects. Cannabis oils are used to treat seizures in drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE).” It then goes on to note that “Recent trials provide data on dosing, side effects, and efficacy of CBD, yet there is a paucity of information on THC in epilepsy.”

The primary objective of the study “was to establish dosing and tolerability of TIL-TC150 – a cannabis plant extract produced by Tilray^®, containing 100 mg/mL CBD and 2 mg/mL THC- in children with Dravet syndrome. Secondary objectives were to assess impact of therapy on seizures, electroencephalogram (EEG) and quality of life.”

For the study, twenty children “received add-on therapy with TIL-TC150. The dose ranged from 2 to 16 mg/kg/day of CBD and 0.04 to 0.32 mg/kg/day of THC. Patients were monitored for tolerability and adverse events, and secondary objectives.”

Nineteen participants completed the 20-week intervention. Mean dose achieved was 13.3 mg/kg/day of CBD (range 7-16 mg/kg/day) and 0.27 mg/kg/day of THC (range 0.14-0.32 mg/kg/day).

“There was a statistically significant improvement in quality of life, reduction in EEG spike activity, and median motor seizure reduction of 70.6%, with 50% responder rate of 63%”, states the study.

Researchers  conclude; “TIL-TC150 was safe and well tolerated in our subjects. TIL-TC150 treatment resulted in a reduction in seizure counts, spike index on EEG, and improved quality of life measures. This study provides safety and dosing information for THC-containing cannabinoidpreparations.”

For more information on this study, click here.