WHAT IS EPILEPSY

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that causes a disruption in the nerves and control signals that are sent to the muscles, which may cause seizures and other abnormal behavior. Seizures can range in strength and frequency, from remaining in one position for a few seconds to twitching compulsively, and even spells of unconsciousness. Most epileptic seizures are potentially dangerous since even the slightest loss of control can be disastrous while a person is driving, swimming, or flying.

MEDICAL MARIJUANA AND THE TREATMENT OF EPILEPSY

Epilepsy is a condition that affects more than 200,000 people each year. It is a disorder in which the nerve cell activity in the brain is interrupted causing seizures. There are several different treatment options, but unfortunately, this is a condition that cannot be cured. Doctors will require lab testing and imaging just to make sure the diagnosis is correct. Trauma or a stroke can be the reason why a patient will have epilepsy, but also a genetic disorder is another cause of epilepsy. When a patient has a seizure, the person might behave abnormally or might even have a loss of consciousness. Epilepsy is treated with medications and in some rare cases, surgery might be involved.

Medical marijuana has been extremely effective for seizures and patients with epilepsy. A patient can take their prescribed medication and medical marijuana at the same time. Interestingly enough, some patients have responded better to medical marijuana than to prescription drugs. The substance in marijuana called cannabinoids is what affects the cells in the body called cannabinoid receptors. CBD is what makes the body not have seizures and CBD also does not give the “high” feeling.

• Symptoms of Epilepsy
• Temporary Confusion
• Unintentional Staring Spells
• Wildly Twitching
• Unmanageable Limbs
• Unconsciousness or Unaware
• Psychotic Behavioral Patterns

Seizures are going to be the main type of symptom in a person who suffers from epilepsy. However, there are different types of seizures.  Absence or petit mal seizures are common in children and they will start with a child staring unaware of their surroundings. Atonic seizure is when the muscles become stiff – especially the legs, arms, and back which might make a person fall. The atonic seizure is a result of muscle control which will make a person fall down or collapse. The clonic seizure will cause a repeated jerking motion that is generally in the neck, face, and arms.  The myoclonic procedure consists of sudden and quick muscle jerks in the arms and legs. The final type of seizure and the most dangerous is the tonic-clonic or grand mal seizure that results in loss of consciousness, stiffness and shaking, and tongue biting. These seizures can be dangerous and life-threatening.

DIAGNOSING EPILEPSY

In order to be properly diagnosed, a patient needs to have a doctor’s consultation. The doctor will review a patient’s medical history along with the symptoms. Your doctor may order several tests to determine the cause of your seizures. An EEG or electroencephalogram is the most common test used to determine if a patient has epilepsy. Doctors will attach electrodes to your scalp and record electronic brain activity.  A CT scan or a computerized tomography is another scan using x-rays to look at any abnormal images in your brain, such as tumors, bleeding, or cysts. An MRI or magnetic resonance imaging unit uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create a view of your brain.

Detection of any abnormalities or lesions will be able to be spotted. An MRI or functional MRI is able to detect the changes in blood flow that occur when specific parts of your brain are functioning. This might be done before you have surgery if the doctor feels this will help with improving movement/speech.  A PET or positron emission tomography scan uses a low dose of radioactive material that is injected into a vein to help spot any abnormalities.

These are the most common methods used to diagnose epilepsy. It is very important to document any symptoms you are having because you need to be certain that you are getting an accurate assessment of your condition.

MEDICAL MARIJUANA HELPING EPILEPSY

Over the past few years, medical marijuana has become increasingly popular for treating individuals with epilepsy, including children. The non-psychoactive component of marijuana is called cannabidiol or CBD. It has proven to be an anti-seizure drug that has been remarkable for both adults and children. While having an epileptic episode, CBD is ingested and the seizures started to get under control quickly and the seizures are not quite as recurrent as before.  It has been found that cannabinoids and terpenes – not just CBD have been the best at reducing seizures. Over the course of a study – 86% of epileptic patients found they were not having frequent seizures anymore.

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS FOR EPILEPSY

Melatonin is a hormone that is already in the body created by the pineal gland in the brain. Melatonin has been used as an anti-aging substance and as a sleeping aid. As for patients having epilepsy, a study showed that melatonin reduces seizures, yet another report says that melatonin increases seizures. All of the information at this time has stated that melatonin as an alternative option is unfounded.

Vitamins are another alternative treatment for epilepsy. Folic acid and calcium are recommended, but doctors claim that excessive amounts of vitamins entered into the body can be harmful and may do more harm than good. It is highly recommended to always check with your physician before trying any of these alternative options.

GET A MEDICAL MARIJUANA CARD FOR EPILEPSY

If you are thinking about getting a medical marijuana card in the state of Florida, there are a few necessary items that you will need. A valid state identification card is a requirement when you go to medical marijuana near me. We have two locations that are easy to find and we have a professional staff that values your privacy. Our doctors are board-certified and all currently licensed with the state of Florida. If you do not feel like physically going into a location, we also have an online website that you can do a video chat consultation using our secure software that is HIPAA compliant. We want you to get the best treatment possible, so providing accurate medical records is important. Our doctor will do an online or in-person evaluation with you and let you know the best treatment options for your epilepsy.  Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or if you are unsure about the process. We would be more than happy to help you through the process of obtaining your medical marijuana card.

MMJ DOCTORS FLORIDA

Epileptics are allowed to legally obtain and consume Medical Marijuana in Florida. Medical marijuana patients who are new or renewing their recommendation may schedule an appointment to meet with an mmj doctor.