dravet syndrome Archives

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

September 28, 2018

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.”

Largest Study Ever on Cannabis and Epilepsy Finds it Can Help Treat the Condition

December 17, 2015December 8, 2015

The largest study ever conducted on cannabis and epilepsy was presented this week at the American Epilepsy Society’s annual meeting in Philadelphia.

For the study, 313 children from 16 different epilepsy centers around the United States were put on a regimen of the cannabis compound cannabidiol. After a three-month period, 261 of these children had the amount of convulsive seizures (also called grand mal or tonic-clonic seizures) they experience reduced by an average of nearly half, while experiencing little to no side effects.

Mississippi Medical Cannabis Law Now In Effect

August 20, 2014July 3, 2014

Mississippi House Bill 1231, a measure legalizing cannabis extracts for medical purposes, has officially taken effect as of July 1st.

Under the new law, which was sign by the state’s governor on April 21st, the possession and use of low-THC cannabis extracts – such as cannabis oil and tincture – is legal for those with epilepsy (or a related condition) who receive a recommendation from a physician. The University of Mississippi Medical Center is authorized to dispense the medicine.