{"id":20590,"date":"2014-05-28T03:15:41","date_gmt":"2014-05-28T01:15:41","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.innovations-report.com\/hrml\/reports\/studies\/could-cannabis-curb-seizures-experts-weed-through-the-evidence.html"},"modified":"2014-05-27T17:49:54","modified_gmt":"2014-05-27T15:49:54","slug":"cannabis-curb-seizures-experts-weed-evidence","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/renewable-carbon.eu\/news\/cannabis-curb-seizures-experts-weed-evidence\/","title":{"rendered":"Could cannabis curb seizures? Experts weed through the evidence"},"content":{"rendered":"

The therapeutic potential of medical marijuana and pure cannabidiol (CBD), an active substance in the cannabis plant, for neurologic conditions is highly debated. A series of articles published in Epilepsia<\/a>, a journal of the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE), examine the potential use of medical marijuana and CBD in treating severe forms of epilepsy such as Dravet syndrome.<\/strong><\/p>\n

In a case study, Dr. Edward Maa, Chief of the Comprehensive Epilepsy Program at Denver Health in Denver, Colo., details one mother\u2019s experience of providing medical marijuana to her child with Dravet syndrome. The adjunct therapy, with a higher cannabidiol\/D9-tetrahydrocannabinol (CBD:THC) ratio in the strain of cannabis, now known as Charlotte’s Web, was given in conjunction with the patient’s antiepileptic drug regimen. The child\u2019s seizure frequency was reduced from 50 convulsions per day to 2 to 3 nighttime convulsions per month.<\/p>\n

\u201cColorado is \u201cground zero\u201d of the medical marijuana debate,\u201d says Dr. Maa. \u201cAs medical professionals it is important that we further the evidence of whether CBD in cannabis is an effective antiepileptic therapy.\u201d Currently, 21 states and the District of Columbia (DC) have legalized marijuana for medical purposes according to GOVERNING magazine.<\/p>\n

A counter-point article summarizes current scientific evidence of CBD use in epilepsy and other neurological or psychiatric disorders including anxiety, schizophrenia and addiction. Previous studies found that THC, the primary psychoactive substance and CBD the main non-psychoactive ingredient in cannabis, display anticonvulsive properties in animals. However, this research was conducted in acute animal models and data is limited for chronic recurrent seizures. Recent studies claim medical marijuana with high ratios of CBD to THC are more effective in seizure control, but the data was anecdotal and not well controlled.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhile cannabis has been used to treat epilepsy for centuries, data from double-blind randomized, controlled trials of CBD or THC in epilepsy is lacking,\u201d explains Dr. Orrin Devinsky, Director of the Comprehensive Epilepsy Center at NYU Langone Medical Center in New York and Saint Barnabas Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery in New Jersey. \u201cRandomized controlled studies of CBD in targeted epilepsy groups, such as patients with Dravet or Lennox-Gastaut syndromes, are in the planning stages.\u201d<\/p>\n

Dr. Maria Roberta Cilio, Director of Research in Pediatric Epilepsy of the Comprehensive Epilepsy Center at UCSF Benioff Children\u2019s Hospital in San Francisco, agrees, \u201cThere is a critical need for new therapies, especially for childhood-onset treatment-resistant epilepsies that impair quality of life and contribute to learning and behavioral disorders. Rigorous investigation of the safety and efficacy of medical marijuana or individual components such as CBD are necessary for patients with epilepsy before any conclusion is made. \u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere is much interest in the therapeutic potential of medical marijuana and CBD in treating epilepsy,\u201d say Drs. Gary Mathern and Astrid Nehlig, Editors-in-Chief of Epilepsia. \u201cWe would like your perspective on this important issue and ask that patients, clinicians, and medical professionals visit http:\/\/surveys.verticalresponse.com\/a\/show\/1539433\/ea840f4206\/0<\/a> to provide feedback on the use of medical marijuana in epilepsy.\u201d<\/p>\n

These studies are published in Epilepsia. Media wishing to receive a PDF of the articles may contact sciencenewsroom@wiley.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Full citations: “The Case for Medical Marijuana in Epilepsy.” Edward Maa and Paige Figi. Epilepsia; Published Online: May 22, 2014 (DOI: 10.1111\/epi.12610).
\nURL Upon Publication: http:\/\/doi.wiley.com\/10.1111\/epi.12610<\/a><\/p>\n

“Cannabidiol: Pharmacology and Potential Therapeutic Role in Epilepsy and Other Neuropsychiatric Disorders.” Orrin Devinsky, Maria Roberta Cilio, Helen Cross, Javier Fernandez-Ruiz, Jacqueline French, Charlotte Hill, Russell Katz, Vincenzo Di Marzo, Didier Jutras-Aswad, William George Notcutt, Jose Martinez-Orgado, Philip J. Robson, Brian G. Rohrback, Elizabeth Thiele, Benjamin Whalley and Daniel Friedman. Epilepsia; Published Online: May 22, 2014 (DOI: 10.1111\/epi.12631).
\nURL Upon Publication: http:\/\/doi.wiley.com\/10.1111\/epi.12631<\/a><\/p>\n

“The Case for Assessing Cannabidiol in Epilepsy.” Maria Roberta Cilio, Elizabeth A. Thiele and Orrin Devinsky. Epilepsia; Published Online: May 22, 2014 (DOI: 10.1111\/epi.12635). URL Upon Publication: http:\/\/doi.wiley.com\/10.1111\/epi.12635<\/a><\/p>\n

Editorial: “From the Editors: Cannabidiol and Medical Marijuana for the Treatment Of Epilepsy.” Gary Mathern, Astrid Nehlig and Michael Sperling. Epilepsia; Published Online: May 22, 2014 (DOI: 10.1111\/epi.12647).
\nURL Upon Publication: http:\/\/doi.wiley.com\/10.1111\/epi.12647<\/a><\/p>\n

Contacts<\/strong>
\nDr. Edward Maa via Julie Lonborg at Denver Health
\nE-Mail: julie.lonborg@dhha.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Dr. Orrin Devinsky via Ryan Jaslow at NYU Langone Medical Center
\nE-Mail: Ryan.Jaslow@nyumc.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Dr. Maria Roberta Cilio via Karin Rush-Monroe at UCSF
\nE-Mail: Karin.rush-monroe@ucsf.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n

About the Journal
\n<\/strong>Epilepsia is the leading, most authoritative source for current clinical and research results on all aspects of epilepsy. As the journal of the International League Against Epilepsy, subscribers every month will review scientific evidence and clinical methodology in: clinical neurology, neurophysiology, molecular biology, neuroimaging, neurochemistry, neurosurgery, pharmacology, neuroepidemiology, and therapeutic trials. For more information, please visit http:\/\/onlinelibrary.wiley.com\/journal\/10.1111\/(ISSN)1528-1167<\/a>.<\/p>\n

About the International League Against Epilepsy
\n<\/strong>The International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) is the world’s preeminent association of physicians and health professionals working toward a world where no person’s life is limited by epilepsy. Since 1909 the ILAE has provided educational and research resources that are essential in understanding, diagnosing and treating persons with epilepsy. The ILAE supports health professionals, patients, and their care providers, governments, and the general public worldwide by advancing knowledge of epilepsy.<\/p>\n

About Wiley<\/strong>
\nWiley is a global provider of content-enabled solutions that improve outcomes in research, education, and professional practice. Our core businesses produce scientific, technical, medical, and scholarly journals, reference works, books, database services, and advertising; professional books, subscription products, certification and training services and online applications; and education content and services including integrated online teaching and learning resources for undergraduate and graduate students and lifelong learners.
\nFounded in 1807, John Wiley & Sons, Inc. (NYSE: JWa, JWb), has been a valued source of information and understanding for more than 200 years, helping people around the world meet their needs and fulfill their aspirations. Wiley and its acquired companies have published the works of more than 450 Nobel laureates in all categories: Literature, Economics, Physiology or Medicine, Physics, Chemistry, and Peace. Wiley’s global headquarters are located in Hoboken, New Jersey, with operations in the U.S., Europe, Asia, Canada, and Australia.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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