What are seizures?

Seizures refer to erratic electrical activity in your brain that causes changes in behavior, movement, feelings, or level of consciousness. The altered brain activity usually occurs anywhere from 30 seconds to two minutes.

Seizure activity can develop from many causes, including an infection or head trauma. However, you can also have seizures stemming from unknown causes. 

What is epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a disorder of the central nervous system, which causes abnormal brain activity that triggers seizures. Typically, if you have two or more seizures or the seizure activity is recurrent, then you’ll likely receive an epilepsy diagnosis. 

In some cases, seizures cease over time, this is particularly true with children, who may stop having seizures as they mature. Other cases may require long-term treatment to keep seizures under control.

How are seizures traditionally treated?

For most people, controlling seizure activity involves anti-seizure medication. However, finding the right medication and dose to help you gain control over your seizure activity can be challenging. Additionally, these medications may cause various side effects, such as:

• Fatigue

• Stomach upset

• Dizziness

These medications may also alter brain function and affect your concentration or even your ability to find the right words.

If anti-seizure medications fail to control seizure activity, surgery to remove the portion of the brain responsible for the seizures may be recommended. Implanted devices that alter nerve signaling and activity may also help manage seizure activity that doesn’t respond well to anti-seizure medication.

How does medical cannabis help control epilepsy and seizure activity?

Medical cannabis isn’t a cure for epilepsy or seizures, but it may help you gain control over seizure activity without causing adverse side effects. Cannabis contains chemical compounds called cannabinoids, including cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). 

Your body also produces cannabinoid-like compounds called endocannabinoids, which your endocannabinoid system (ECS) uses. This system helps your body maintain biological homeostasis in response to your environment. Early research has shown that cannabinoids can help control seizure activity. 

As an experienced medical cannabis physician, Dr. Shah can talk to you about how the chemicals in the plant may help you or your child.

What can I expect during a consultation?

Prospective patients must complete the intake forms provided online to determine if they qualify for medical marijuana. Once they hear back from Texas THC Doctor, patients can request a telehealth appointment with Dr. Shah.

Texas THC Doctor requests that you have your medical records handy so Dr. Shah can better understand your condition. He then reviews your medical history and cannabis use and conducts a focused physical exam. Dr. Shah then provides you with the medical cannabis options that may help control your seizures and at what dosage, which may include medical marijuana or CBD products. 

Dr. Shah offers telephone follow-up appointments as needed to readjust your treatment plan so you get the best possible outcomes.

To learn more about the alternative treatments for seizures and epilepsy, contact Texas THC Doctor by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today.