Seizures
Seizures are sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbances in the brain. Most often associated with epilepsy, seizures can be caused by a range of factors including head injuries, infections, or metabolic disturbances.
What are the symptoms of a seizure?
While each person's experience with seizures may differ, there are some common symptoms that can indicate a seizure is occurring. These include losing consciousness, convulsions or muscle spasms, altered senses (such as taste or smell), or even just general confusion or disorientation.
How are seizures classified?
- Focal seizures: These start in one specific area of the brain. They can cause altered consciousness (focal impaired awareness) or minimal change in awareness (focal aware).
- Generalised seizures: Involve both sides of the brain and include types like absence seizures (brief lapses in awareness) and tonic-clonic seizures (convulsions and muscle stiffening).
- Unknown onset seizures: When the beginning of a seizure isn't observed or known.
Can medical cannabis help with seizures?
Research has shown that medical cannabis can be effective in reducing the frequency and severity of seizures in some patients, particularly those with epilepsy.
Can medical cannabis be prescribed for seizures in the UK?
Yes, as long as the patient meets certain criteria and is under the care of a specialist doctor. In 2018, medical cannabis was rescheduled in the UK to allow for its prescription by specialist doctors for specific conditions, including epilepsy.
If you would like to learn more about medical cannabis in the UK, Releaf is here to help. In addition to this medical cannabis glossary, we have an extensive blog and education hub to explore, both filled with resources that UK medical cannabis patients, prescribers, and educators have been asking for.