Can Marijuana cause seizures? Firstly, epilepsy is an array of different types of seizures. Epilepsy is a chronic disorder and is the fourth most common neurological disorder, affecting people of all ages. If you have one seizure, you would most likely not be diagnosed with epilepsy. Epilepsy is characterized by having two or more seizures and unpredictable seizing. Depending on the person, the seizure type can be determined since there are various forms of epilepsy. Researchers state that the human brain is the source of epilepsy, and it is common for people with the disorder to have more than one type of seizure.
Types of Epilepsy
Marijuana alone has not been proven to cause seizures. Actually, cannabidiol (CBD), one of the components of marijuana, is approved by the FDA to treat specific seizures. Of course, marijuana bought through word of mouth may be laced with substances that can induce a seizure. It is strongly advised not to use marijuana with other psychoactive drugs like synthetic opioids or even steroids. Often seizures are diagnosed based on descriptions of what an observer has seen.
What is generalized epilepsy? These seizures affect groups of cells on both sides of the brain simultaneously. A few names for this particular type may be referred to as tonic-clonic or grand mal seizures. The most common type of seizure is focal onset seizures, where an uncontrolled electrical disturbance in the brain begins, and the person might not even realize they are having a seizure.
Sometimes, a person is awake and aware during sporadic movements, and this act is called a partial seizure. When the beginning of a seizure is not known, it’s called an unknown onset seizure. What is a refractory seizure? This particular type means it is drug-resistant and often indicates a person has failed to stay seizure-free regardless of medications, but sometimes the diagnosis and treatment are inaccurate.
How Does Medical Marijuana Help Epilepsy?
Cannabinoids help reduce epilepsy symptoms by binding to certain receptors in the brain. The release of neurotransmitters like glutamate stems down the central nervous system, and this may cause relief. CBD is recommended over using the psychoactive tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) component of marijuana.
So, can marijuana cause seizures? Well, marijuana causing seizures is not something a person should worry about, especially if it is medically prescribed. Thanks to an abundance of research and clinical trials, cannabis preparations for seizure treatment like drug-resistant epilepsy is being encouraged to patients. There are numerous natural therapies besides medication that can help reduce symptoms of seizures.
Long Term Effects of Marijuana
There are a few long-term effects of smoking marijuana. Cognitive health is impaired since memory, and the thinking process is tempered. Cardiovascular health also results in complications, raising the resting heart rate. An individual also risks intense chest pain when overstressed and smoking. Cannabis comprises various chemicals that may be toxic and can affect the bronchial passages and lungs, making it difficult to breathe. If a person opts to stop using marijuana, their withdrawals can include:
- Dry mouth or throat
- Irritability and anger
- Restlessness
- Depression and anxiety
- Strange or vivid dreams
Still, the use of cannabis can help with pain management, reduce inflammation, and have relaxing effects to improve sleep. Cannabis sativa benefits, in particular, are claimed to boost motivation, uplifts anxiety, and enhance mood and energy. Medical marijuana is pushed to those who are having trouble with insomnia, motivation, and of course, epilepsy episodes.
Individualized Treatment Programs in Palm Beach
If you have been using cannabis to help with epilepsy or seizures and find that your use has gotten out of control, our addiction treatment programs in Palm Beach can help. We specialize in the successful treatment of cannabis and other addictions and welcome you to recovery.
Our highly trained professionals and licensed therapists at our addiction treatment center in Lake Worth use unique programs and therapeutic methods to help you safely get through withdrawals. After realizing addiction from prescription drugs or battling mental illness, it is vital to get treatment from professionals who can help prevent you from relapsing.
Behavioral Health of the Palm Beaches always has someone ready to answer any questions you may have or if you are simply looking for more information about a particular mental illness or addiction. Do not hesitate to reach out to us.
Contact our team at 561-220-3981 to learn more and get started today!
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