Seizures
One out of every 10 people in the United States has had a seizure, which can occur from an array of causes and lead to symptoms that can be scary. Current medical treatments aren’t effective at controlling all seizures. Medical marijuana has been shown to help alleviate seizure symptoms. The medical cannabis clinicians at Kaya Life can provide medical marijuana to help you find relief from your seizure activity. To schedule a consultation, call the office in Gulfport, Mississippi, or use the online booking tool today.
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 lasts anywhere from 30 seconds to two minutes.
Seizure activity can develop from many causes, including an infection or head trauma. However, you can also develop seizures from unknown causes.
If you have two or more seizures or the seizure activity is recurrent, then you'll likely receive an epilepsy diagnosis.
How are seizures traditionally treated?
For most people, controlling seizure activity involves anti-seizure medication. However, finding the right medication and dose can be challenging. There may be various side effects, such as:
- Fatigue
- Stomach upset
- Dizziness
- Altered brain function
- Poor concentration
If anti-seizure medications fail to control seizure activity, surgery to remove the portion of the brain causing the seizures may be recommended. Implanted devices that alter nerve signaling and activity may also manage seizure activity that doesn’t respond well to anti-seizure medication.
How does medical cannabis help control seizure activity?
Medical cannabis isn’t a cure for your seizures, but it may help you gain control over seizure activity without the 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.
What can I expect during a consultation?
According to the Mississippi medical marijuana law, seizures are a qualifying condition. Kaya Life requires you to bring your medical records to your consultation so your clinician can better understand your condition. They will then review your medical history and cannabis use and conduct a focused physical exam.
Your clinician 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 oils. You can apply for a medical marijuana card using the Mississippi Department of Health’s Mississippi Medical Cannabis Portal Program to legally purchase marijuana products from nearby dispensaries.
Kaya Life offers 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, contact Kaya Lief by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today.
