Marijuana and Seizures

How MMJ Health Helps with Epilepsy and Seizures

What is Epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that causes abnormal brain activity, an unusual display of behavior, loss of awareness, and sensations among affected human beings. It could be characterized by the occurrence of repetitive seizures with variable effects and intensities and are often caused due to a disturbance in the specified regions of a human brain’s circulatory system – creating some additional electrical activity. As per an estimate, around 1 in every 26 Americans tends to develop epilepsy in their lifetime. However, 2/3rd of those diagnosed with epilepsy seem not to have any background or origin for the disease. The most intimidating of all the facts is that 34% of the reported deaths among children are caused either due to epilepsy itself or because of the accidents which occur during the state of seizures. The seriousness of the disorder is quite critical. The non-availability of adequate drugs seems to be a major reason why so many epileptic patients lose their lives.

Seizure disorders usually vary from being massive disruptors posing deadly impacts on an individual’s life to a mild disorder, which may be easily treated with medicines. They are different for each human being and can result in an entirely new set of effects – making the treatment of these disorders much more difficult.

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What are Seizures?

Seizures are neurological events characterized by abnormal electrical activity in the brain, which can lead to a variety of physical and cognitive symptoms. They can affect people of all ages and can be caused by various factors such as epilepsy, brain injuries, or underlying medical conditions. Seizures can be incredibly disruptive and pose significant challenges to individuals’ quality of life.

However, there is growing evidence suggesting that medical marijuana may offer a potential solution. The cannabinoids found in marijuana, particularly cannabidiol (CBD), have shown promise in reducing the frequency and severity of seizures. CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system in the body, which plays a crucial role in regulating neurological functions.

By modulating this system, medical marijuana may help to stabilize electrical activity in the brain, potentially leading to a reduction in seizures. It’s important to consult with a knowledgeable medical professional to explore the potential benefits and risks of medical marijuana for managing seizures on an individual basis.

Medical Marijuana and Epilepsy

Since the emerging medicinal benefits of cannabis have made it a go-to alternative for many regular medicines, most patients in today’s world tend to want to try the cannabis plant for treating some of their ailments. Epilepsy is one of those disorders. It cannot be treated with readily available cannabis products, but a critical combination of cannabinoids could be helpful.

The specific chemical constituent of cannabis, CBD (cannabinoid), possesses great significance in the treatment of epilepsy, for it has showcased a crucially positive role in helping epileptic patients with their symptoms in recent years.

Though the science behind how it helps hasn’t been discovered yet, cannabis for epilepsy has shown great recovery and benefits. To discover how the CBD in the cannabis plant helps in treating epilepsy and preventing seizures, a lot of trials approved by the FDA are being conducted by researchers.

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What causes of Seizures?

Seizures can be the result of various factors and conditions, disrupting the normal electrical activity in the brain and leading to a range of symptoms. Understanding the underlying causes of seizures is crucial for effective management and treatment. While epilepsy is a well-known cause, seizures can also result from other medical conditions, injuries, or certain lifestyle factors. Let’s explore some of the common causes of seizures:

Different Types of Epilepsy

There are many different types of epilepsy, each with its own unique set of symptoms and causes. Here are some of the most common types:

Different Types of Seizures

Seizures can manifest in different ways, and understanding the different types is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment. Epilepsy, the most well-known condition associated with seizures, encompasses a wide range of seizure types. Each type has distinct characteristics and affects different areas of the brain, leading to various symptoms and behaviors. Let’s explore some of the common types of seizures:

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Symptoms of Epilepsy and having Seizures

Seizures can present with a wide range of symptoms, both physical and cognitive, depending on the type and severity of the seizure. Recognizing these symptoms is crucial for identifying and responding to seizures promptly. While the specific symptoms may vary from person to person, understanding the common signs can help raise awareness and provide appropriate support. Let’s explore some of the typical symptoms associated with seizures:

Here are the symptoms of epilepsy and having seizures:

It’s important to note that not all seizures are the same, and symptoms may vary depending on the type of seizure a person experiences.

Diagnosing Seizures

Diagnosing seizures involves a comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare professional, typically a neurologist or an epileptologist. The process aims to determine the underlying cause, type, and frequency of seizures to develop an effective treatment plan. While the specific diagnostic approach may vary depending on individual circumstances, there are several common steps involved in the diagnosis of seizures. Let’s explore the typical steps a doctor would take:

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Where Does Cannabis Research for Epilepsy Stand at The Moment?

Cannabis for epilepsy has come into the limelight in recent times, becoming known for treating the varied types of seizures with great efficiency. Many success stories are being shared featuring CBD (cannabinoids) in the cannabis plant as the quick and effective treatment of epilepsy among children and adults. Charlotte Figi, who has recovered from Dravet syndrome – a unique form of epilepsy, is a popular supporter of CBD among patients with the disorder who have used cannabis under the supervision of medical marijuana doctors to treat her symptoms and seen it work.

These discoveries of cannabis working to prevent seizures and treat epilepsy have defined the medicinal benefits of the plant – making it an effective treatment for the young, as well as adults. Though the benefits of medical marijuana have been long spoken of, these recent stories have played an integral role in pushing the authorities towards more studies and legalization.

Academic institutions have been provided with permission to finally begin exploring the medicinal uses of cannabis, as well as determining the effects and side effects.

Following the updated regulations and permission for academic research, many experiments and clinical trials are in progress, aiming to find out as much as possible about the medicinal benefits of the cannabis plant and define how it helps prevent seizures and treat epilepsy among young children and adults.

Based on conducted preclinical studies, “the world should be proactively excited about the therapeutic capabilities of cannabinoids found inside cannabis”, suggests Dr. Francis M. Filloux. However, the former inadequate restrictions over the cannabis plant’s research have stopped it from being fully utilized.

The initial research and wide patient experience of using medical marijuana for treating their chronic diseases are enough to prove the great medicinal benefits of this plant. There is no exaggeration in calling out cannabis as the only plant in history that has been widely used across the globe for medicinal purposes, despite being on the list of schedule-1 drugs with heavy duties and regulations imposed on it. However, patients could only access the simplistic and generic versions of cannabis products under the FDA’s regulations in previous years. Conducting extended research and clinical trials so as to prove the medicinal benefits of cannabis in treating epilepsy and preventing seizures is a necessity and could help lay the foundation of a smooth transition to treatment for cannabis users across the globe.

Why & How Does Cannabis Help with ‘Seizures’ Prevention & Epilepsy Treatment?

The cannabis plant is composed of the same cannabinoids that are found inside the human endocannabinoid system. Thus, they have great biological potential and the capability to balance the shortage or loss of cannabinoids inside the human body – stabilizing most of their neural functions.

Considering seizures and epilepsy as a neurological disorder, cannabinoids from the cannabis plant could help stabilize electrical activity and prevent large seizures.

Best Terpenes for Epilepsy

Terpenes are organic compounds found in many plants, including cannabis. They are responsible for the unique aromas and flavors associated with different strains of cannabis. In addition to their sensory properties, terpenes have also been found to have therapeutic effects. Some terpenes may help alleviate symptoms of epilepsy by reducing inflammation and promoting relaxation. Here are some of the best terpenes for epilepsy:

Limonene

This terpene has a citrusy aroma and is found in many strains of cannabis. Limonene has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and anti-anxiety effects, which may help reduce seizures in people with epilepsy.

Linalool

Linalool has a floral aroma and is found in lavender, as well as some strains of cannabis. It has been shown to have sedative and anti-anxiety effects, which may help reduce the frequency and intensity of seizures.

Myrcene

Myrcene is found in many strains of cannabis and has a musky, earthy aroma. It has been found to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, which may help reduce inflammation and pain associated with epilepsy.

Beta-caryophyllene

Beta-caryophyllene has a spicy, peppery aroma and is found in many strains of cannabis. It has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects, which may help reduce seizures and improve overall health.

Pinene

Pinene has a piney aroma and is found in many strains of cannabis. It has been found to have anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects, which may help reduce the risk of seizures and promote overall brain health.

Overall, the use of terpenes may help alleviate symptoms of epilepsy and improve overall quality of life for those living with this condition.

Best Strain for Epilepsy

While traditional anticonvulsant medications can help manage symptoms, some patients may experience treatment-resistant seizures. Medical cannabis has emerged as a potential alternative treatment for epilepsy, as some strains may help alleviate seizures and other symptoms. Here is the best cannabis strain for epilepsy: Green Queen.

Let’s explore it a little bit more to understand why it’s our doctors’ preferred strain to help people with seizures.

Green Queen

Green Queen is a hybrid born out of the cross of Green Crack and Space Queen. It’s a well balanced strain between Indica and Sativa traits, although some say it leans more towards Indica) and it entices consumers with a sweet, spice pine flavor paired with pungent and earthy aromas.

Scientists believe that the CBD content of this strain may have anticonvulsant properties and that it may also have neuroprotective effects that may help protect the brain and nervous system against damage and promote a regulation of neuronal activity. It is also believed that Green Queen can potentially reduce inflammation in the brain thus promoting a decrease in seizure activity.

Best Online Tools for Seizures

Here are a few examples of online resources that can be helpful for patients suffering from epilepsy and/or seizures:

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Find Medical Marijuana Card in Florida

If you are suffering from a form of epilepsy or someone around you shows the symptoms, you can easily get in touch with a medical marijuana doctor. All you need to do is fill out our patient qualification test, and you’ll be matched with one of our professional doctors based on your symptoms and the treatment required. Our MMJ Health doctors will also issue you a Florida medical marijuana card that enables you to use prescribed cannabis products from Florida’s local dispensaries.  The patient qualification survey is simple and will take less than 5 minutes! Just answer basic questions about your medical history so that the assigned doctor can be aware of your condition and help provide you with professional expertise and recommendations to help treat your symptoms.

In conclusion, managing seizures effectively requires a comprehensive approach that combines medical expertise, personalized care, and access to appropriate treatment options. At MMJ Health, we understand the challenges that individuals with seizures face, and we are committed to providing compassionate and comprehensive care. With our 9 locations across Florida, we have built a team of friendly and knowledgeable staff and assembled some of the best doctors for medical marijuana in the state. If you or a loved one is seeking relief from seizures and are considering medical marijuana as a potential treatment option, we encourage you to take the next step and book an appointment with MMJ Health. Our experienced healthcare professionals will guide you through the process, evaluate your condition, and work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs. Don’t wait any longer – take control of your health and schedule an appointment with MMJ Health today. Your journey to a better quality of life starts here.

For individuals with seizures, one of the most significant struggles they face is the unpredictable nature of their condition. Seizures can occur at any time, without warning, which can make daily life challenging and uncertain. This unpredictability can impact various aspects of their lives, including personal relationships, employment, driving privileges, and overall independence. The fear of having a seizure in public or experiencing an episode during critical tasks can create anxiety and stress. Additionally, finding the right treatment approach that effectively manages seizures while minimizing side effects can be a complex and ongoing process. The emotional and psychological toll of living with the constant possibility of seizures and the need to adapt to these challenges can be overwhelming. It highlights the importance of support, understanding, and comprehensive medical care to help individuals with seizures navigate these struggles and improve their quality of life.

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