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Cannabidiol Therapy for Refractory Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders
Victoria Golub1, D Samba Reddy2
1Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, USA.
Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology
|December 17, 2020
Summary
Cannabidiol (CBD) shows promise for treating drug-resistant epilepsy, particularly in children. While its exact mechanisms are still being studied, CBD demonstrates safety and effectiveness as an add-on therapy for severe, early-onset seizures.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Epileptology
Background:
- Cannabis-derived cannabinoids possess neuroactive properties.
- Emerging interest in cannabidiol (CBD) for drug-resistant epilepsy.
- FDA approved Epidiolex (CBD-rich) for severe pediatric epilepsies in 2018.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current information on cannabis pharmacology.
- To emphasize the clinical utility of CBD in refractory epilepsies and seizure conditions.
- To discuss ongoing clinical trials for other epilepsy forms.
Main Methods:
- Review of experimental research on CBD's effects.
- Analysis of clinical trial data for CBD efficacy.
- Examination of CBD's multimodal mechanism of action.
Main Results:
- CBD exhibits anticonvulsant and neuroprotective effects.
- CBD reduces inflammation, protects neurons, normalizes neurogenesis, and acts as an antioxidant.
- Adjunct CBD is generally safe and effective for treatment-resistant seizures in children.
Conclusions:
- CBD's multimodal action contributes to its therapeutic effects in the brain.
- Ongoing trials are evaluating long-term CBD efficacy in adults for various epilepsy types.
- CBD represents a significant therapeutic option for severe, refractory epilepsy.
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