Cannabis-based Medicines May Reduce Seizures By 50 Percent

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Cannabis-based medicine may be a potential cure for Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS), which is a critical form of epilepsy. A wide range of controlled clinical study suggests that cannabidiol is 50 percent more likely to reduce seizures in some children and adults.

Cannabidiol is a molecule extracted from the cannabis plant that does not cause a high effect on users. According to the American Academy Of Neurology, the researchers studied a group of people with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome that began in childhood. Almost 40 percent of the patients have 50 percent decreased drop seizures after taking a liquid form of cannabidiol as compared to their placebo user counterparts.

"Our results suggest that cannabidiol may be effective for those with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome in treating drop seizures," said Dr. Anup Patel, author of the study. He also worked at Nationwide Children's Hospital and The Ohio State University College of Medicine in Columbus and a member of the American Academy of Neurology.

The effect of cannabidiol is highly essential because Lennox-Gastaut syndrome is really hard to treat. "While there were more side effects for those taking cannabidiol, they were mostly well-tolerated. I believe that it may become an important new treatment option for these patients,” Dr. Patel added.

According to Science Daily, the effects of cannabidiol are often very short, but it offers a significant benefit for people with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. The epilepsy attack frequently caused injury to patients and they were rushed to hospitals thus even a little decrease in drop seizure is a remarkable help. "Our study found that cannabidiol shows great promise in that it may reduce seizures that are otherwise difficult to control," Dr. Patel said.

Meanwhile, there is a current plan of filing for a New Drug Application to the FDA late of 2017. The study is set to be presented at the American Academy of Neurology's 69th Annual Meeting in Boston on April 22 to 28, 2017.