Dravet syndrome, also known as severe myoclonic epilepsy of infancy (SMEI), is a rare and severe form of epilepsy that typically appears in the first year of life. It is characterized by frequent and often prolonged seizures, as well as developmental delays and behavioral issues. Dravet syndrome is caused by mutations in the SCN1A gene, which provides instructions for making a protein that helps control the activity of certain nerve cells in the brain.
The Role Of CBD In Treating Neurological Disorders
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a chemical compound found in the cannabis plant. It is one of over 100 cannabinoids identified in the plant, but unlike the psychoactive compound THC, CBD does not produce a “high.” CBD has shown promise in the treatment of various neurological disorders, including epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and anxiety disorders.
One proposed mechanism by which CBD may be effective in reducing seizure activity is by inhibiting the activity of certain enzymes that break down anandamide, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate pain and mood. By inhibiting the breakdown of anandamide, CBD may increase its levels in the brain, leading to a reduction in seizure activity.
CBD For Dravet Syndrome- Case Studies And Clinical Trials
There have been several case reports and clinical trials investigating the use of CBD in the treatment of Dravet syndrome. In a case report published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2017, a five-year-old girl with Dravet syndrome experienced a significant reduction in seizure frequency after being treated with CBD.
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2018 also found that CBD was effective in reducing seizure frequency in children and young adults with Dravet syndrome. The study included 120 participants who were randomly assigned to receive either CBD or a placebo.
Another study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in 2019 found that CBD was effective in reducing seizure frequency in children with Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, another rare and severe form of epilepsy. Those who received CBD experienced a median reduction in seizure frequency of 45%, compared to 22% in the placebo group.
Is CBD Safe For Dravet Syndrome Treatment?
While the use of CBD has shown promise in the treatment of Dravet syndrome, it is important to note that more research is needed to fully understand its safety and efficacy.