Medical Marijuana for Epilepsy
If you or a loved one is struggling with Epilepsy, you should know that medical marijuana may be available for treating symptoms of this condition. Schedule an appointment with us at 888-316-9085 to start your evaluation process!
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that affects the central nervous system.
With this condition, the activity of the brain turns abnormal, leading to unusual behavior, seizures, sensations, and even loss of the awareness of surroundings. The intensity of seizures varies from person to person. While some may stare blank for a few seconds, others may end up twitching their legs or arms.
Medical marijuana has recently been discovered to be a highly beneficial treatment option for epilepsy. Research shows that medical cannabis has positive results for reducing seizures, a common side effect of this neurological disorder. This makes marijuana an ideal alternative to opioids to help provide treatment for people suffering from epilepsy.
Patients living with epilepsy are eligible for treatment with medical marijuana in Pennsylvania. Compassionate Certification Centers is here to help!
How Do You Diagnose Epilepsy?
To diagnose epilepsy, medical history and symptoms must be reviewed by a doctor. The patient would need to undergo a series of tests, which may include neurological exams, blood tests, electroencephalogram (ECG), computerized tomography (CT) scan, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
What are the Causes of Epilepsy?
In almost half of the people dealing with epilepsy, no specific causes can be found. However, in the other half, the reason can be connected to several factors. If seizures run in the family, there are more chances of you developing it. Aside from that, a person can develop epilepsy from head trauma, brain conditions, prenatal injury, infectious conditions, and other developmental disorders, such as neurofibromatosis, autism, and more.
Statistics to Consider
- Data from the World Health Organization states that approximately 50 million people across the globe have epilepsy, making it one of the most common neurological disorders
- Up to 70% of people with epilepsy can live a seizure-free life if diagnosed and treated properly
Qualifying Conditions of Epilepsy
- Akinetic Epilepsy
- Benign Childhood Epilepsy with Centrotemporal EEG Spikes
- Benign Myoclonic in Infancy
- Bravais-Jacksonian Epilepsy
- Childhood Epilepsy
- Climacteric Epilepsy
- Cysticercosis Epilepsy
- Epilepsy with Complex Partial Seizures
- Epilepsy with Grand Mal Seizures on Awakening
- Epilepsy with Simple Partial Seizures
- Epileptic Syndromes
- Impulsive Petit Mal
- Intractable Epilepsy
- Juvenile Absence Epilepsy
- Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy
- Kozhevnikof’s Epilepsy
- Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome
- Mental Deterioration
- Myoclonic Epilepsy
- Partialis Continua
- Peripheral Epilepsy
- Pharmacoresistant Epilepsy
- Procursiva
- Progressive Myoclonic Epilepsy
- Somatomotor Epilepsy
- Somatosensory Epilepsy
- Spasms
- Tonic Epilepsy
- Uncinate Epilepsy
- Unverricht Epilepsy
- Visceral Epilepsy
- Visual Epilepsy
Common Symptoms of Epilepsy
Symptoms often vary from patient to patient, but some of the most common signs of epilepsy include:
- Staring blankly for a few seconds or minutes
- Temporary confusion
- Anxiety or fear
- Uncontrollable jerk in the leg or arm
- Loss of awareness of the surroundings
- Loss of consciousness
- Alterations to smell, taste, hearing, touch, or sight
- Performing a movement repeatedly
- Stiffening of the body
Advantages of Medical Marijuana for Epilepsy
Approximately 1% of Americans are living with this disorder, and for almost 60% of cases, there does not seem to be any apparent cause. The existing antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) have proven to be ineffective for a majority of patients and often leave significant side effects. As a result, several patients are seeking out an alternative treatment options to help manage this neurological disorder.
Can Medical Marijuana Cure Epilepsy?
In addition to medical marijuana, treating epilepsy with CBD oil has been discovered to help manage side effects. Because of its contact with the endocannabinoid system, this oil can help to relieve several symptoms.
Here are some of the positive effects that could be found in patients using medical marijuana and CBD for treating epilepsy:
- Lower frequency of seizures
- Better sleep
- Reduced brain inflammation
- Improved alertness
- Better behavior
How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card for Epilepsy
Due to the seriousness of the disease, many states have legalized the use of medical marijuana for Epilepsy. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to get your medical marijuana card:
- Register over the phone or online
- Talk to a medical marijuana doctor
- Get your medical marijuana card
Compassionate Certification Centers is here to provide you with the support, care, and guidance you need to get certified for a medical marijuana card. Schedule an appointment with us at 888-316-9085 to start your evaluation process!
