Can CBD Be Used to Treat Dravet Syndrome?
Can CBD Be Used to Treat Dravet Syndrome?
Dravet Syndrome, which was once known as severe myoclonic epilepsy of infancy (SMEI), is a type of epilepsy that affects young children and causes seizures which are triggered by fever or hot temperatures. While it is rare, affecting about 1 in every 20,000-40,000 births, it is no doubt complex and little is known about how it is caused. Seizures are typically drug-resistant, and Dravet Syndrome also comes with a host of other issues such as slow development of language and motor skills, hyperactivity and sleep problems, chronic infection, growth and balance issues, and challenges relating to others. These issues are prevalent and often difficult to manage, and children who suffer from the syndrome typically require constant monitoring by patient and skilled caregivers. As debilitating and harsh as the syndrome might seem, there is hope for its treatment in CBD.
The results showed that median frequency of convulsive seizures per month decreased from about 12 to merely 6 with cannabidiol (CBD), as opposed to a decrease from 15 to 14 using the placebo after 14 weeks.
Study published in Frontiers in Neurology, an excellent summary can be found on Dravet Syndrome News’ Blog
In fact, a trial has shown that CBD oil has resulted in a significant decrease in seizures in children affected by Dravet Syndrome. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 120 children and young adults with Dravet syndrome and drug-resistant seizures received either cannabidiol oral solution at a dose of 20 mg per kilogram of body weight per day or placebo, in addition to a standard antiepileptic treatment.
The results showed that median frequency of convulsive seizures per month decreased from about 12 to merely 6 with cannabidiol (CBD), as opposed to a decrease from 15 to 14 using the placebo after 14 weeks.
While this particular trial was only one that explored CBD as a viable treatment for Dravet Syndrome, its success can only inspire more testing, trials, and studies. Keep in mind that while there was a major decrease in convulsive seizures, CBD was not decidedly significant in managing the other symptoms and challenges of Dravet Syndrome. Nonetheless, this and other trials are significant in moving the needle when it comes to understanding the full potential of CBD oil and what it can be used to treat.
MCBD is dedicated to supporting consumers better understand the benefits of using CBD oil and CBD products, and we are committed to sharing information and research to better educate our customers. If you have questions about CBD and what it can be used to treat, be sure to read more on the MCBD blog or check out our CBD FAQ section. There you’ll not only find answers to your own questions, but see what others are curious about as well.
Quick Facts About CBD, Hemp Oil & CBD:THC Compounds
What is full spectrum CBD oil?
Full spectrum CBD oil, such as that used in mCBD products, contains a variety of cannabinoids and terpenes as well as other beneficial compounds. Each of the compounds has particular effects on the human body. Because terpenes can affect how the body responds to cannabinoids, the combined effect is often greater than the sum of the individual effects. The overall effect produced is known as the entourage effect. Non-full spectrum products do not have the benefit of the entourage effect and are therefore not recommended.
What is a CBD ratio?
The ratio of CBD:THC in a product determines its’ legality, proper dosing and efficacy in treating certain conditions. The majority of studies for childhood Dravet Syndrome are using a 20:1-50:1 CBD:THC ratio. Products like the original Charlotte’s Web. These products are not legal to sell online, are illegal in many states and require a prescription in others. Check your state guidelines to learn more about these products. The research for Dravet’s Syndrome and CBD is being conducted using both CBD:THC products as well as pure full-spectrum CBD.
Is CBD the same as hemp oil?
Hemp oil is not CBD oil. Hemp oil is oil extracted from the hemp seed much in the same way that olive oil or other cooking oils is extracted. Hemp oil is considered an isolate that has been stripped of beneficial terpenes, the full spectrum of cannabinoids and flavonoids. It is not a full spectrum, pharmaceutical or medicinally valuable product. It would make a tasty salad dressing however hemp oil does not contain cannabinoids such as CBD.
