Abstract
Severe childhood epilepsies are characterized by frequent seizures, neurodevelopmental
delays, and impaired quality of life. In these treatment-resistant epilepsies, families
often seek alternative treatments. This survey explored the use of cannabidiol-enriched
cannabis in children with treatment-resistant epilepsy. The survey was presented to
parents belonging to a Facebook group dedicated to sharing information about the use
of cannabidiol-enriched cannabis to treat their child's seizures. Nineteen responses
met the following inclusion criteria for the study: a diagnosis of epilepsy and current
use of cannabidiol-enriched cannabis. Thirteen children had Dravet syndrome, four
had Doose syndrome, and one each had Lennox–Gastaut syndrome and idiopathic epilepsy.
The average number of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) tried before using cannabidiol-enriched
cannabis was 12. Sixteen (84%) of the 19 parents reported a reduction in their child's
seizure frequency while taking cannabidiol-enriched cannabis. Of these, two (11%)
reported complete seizure freedom, eight (42%) reported a greater than 80% reduction
in seizure frequency, and six (32%) reported a 25–60% seizure reduction. Other beneficial
effects included increased alertness, better mood, and improved sleep. Side effects
included drowsiness and fatigue. Our survey shows that parents are using cannabidiol-enriched
cannabis as a treatment for their children with treatment-resistant epilepsy. Because
of the increasing number of states that allow access to medical cannabis, its use
will likely be a growing concern for the epilepsy community. Safety and tolerability
data for cannabidiol-enriched cannabis use among children are not available. Objective
measurements of a standardized preparation of pure cannabidiol are needed to determine
whether it is safe, well tolerated, and efficacious at controlling seizures in this
pediatric population with difficult-to-treat seizures.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
August 30,
2013
Received in revised form:
July 23,
2013
Received:
May 24,
2013
Identification
Copyright
Published by Elsevier Inc.
