Epilepsy is a challenging neurological disorder to treat, but studies show that cannabis can help reduce the frequency of seizures. At Texas Herbal Clinic in Houston, Texas, Darryl Camp, MD, offers medical marijuana to patients with epilepsy who haven’t responded well to traditional treatments, like medication. Call the clinic today or schedule an appointment online to determine if medical marijuana is right for you.
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that causes unprovoked seizures — electrical impulses in the brain. Seizures range in intensity and frequency. While many people with epilepsy only experience one seizure yearly, others have multiple daily episodes. Some last less than 30 seconds, but seizures can take up to two minutes to pass.
Seizures are a telltale sign of epilepsy, but this electrical activity in the brain presents differently in everyone. Common signs of epilepsy include:
Many people with epilepsy also experience other physical and mental health challenges, such as anxiety and insomnia. Finding the right treatment for you can help relieve your anxiety and promote better sleep quality.
Medical experts don’t yet know the exact cause of epilepsy, but they believe genetics play a large role in its development. Many people with epilepsy also have a close relative with the condition. While inherited traits can cause epilepsy, damage to the brain can also trigger seizures. Common causes include:
Lack of oxygen to the brain during childbirth may also cause lifelong epileptic seizures.
Anticonvulsants, sedatives, and nerve pain medications are among the most common treatments for epilepsy. Dietary changes, surgery, and special devices may also help minimize the frequency of epileptic seizures. However, about 30% of people with epilepsy don’t respond well to conventional treatments.
At Texas Herbal Clinic, board-certified neurologist Dr. Camp recommends medical marijuana to treat symptoms of epilepsy, such as seizures and anxiety. Research shows that cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive compound found in the marijuana plant, can reduce the frequency of seizures.
Dr. Camp performs a comprehensive evaluation before prescribing medical marijuana for epilepsy. After a careful examination that includes a medical history review, Dr. Camp can determine if medical marijuana is right for you.
Call Texas Herbal Clinic today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about epilepsy.