Seizures and Medical Marijuana
What Are Seizures?
A seizure is an uncontrolled electrical disturbance in the brain that can change behaviors, movements, and feelings in a person. Seizures can be light or extreme, and they can occur in many different places of the brain. On average, they last anywhere from half a minute to two minutes, but seizures can also last up to five minutes or so, which means it’s a medical emergency. Two attacks within 24 hours with no clear causes may be considered epilepsy. It can be very scary stuff.
There are many different causes of seizures. Attacks may come from a lack of sleep, strokes, brain tumors or abnormalities, and more. Patients can control many seizure disorders with medication. However, managing seizures can still have a significant impact on daily life. Cannabis in seizure management shows promise in easing the quality of life for seizure sufferers.
Seizure Dangers
The symptoms of a seizure can range from mild to severe based on the type of seizure. Symptoms of seizures can include temporary confusion, uncontrollable jerking of the limbs, emotional and cognitive issues, and a loss of consciousness and awareness. Patients can treat some of these symptoms with marijuana for seizure relief.
Seizures are usually classified as “focal” or “generalized” based on the location of the attack. Focal seizures occur in one area in the brain with or without a loss of consciousness. Generalized seizures involve multiple parts of the brain. All seizures carry the risk of real danger as well. Seizures can have horrific effects based on when they occur, resulting in falls, car accidents, drowning, and other tragedies.
How Can Medical Marijuana Help?
Medical marijuana for seizures can supplement existing treatment options and provide relief. Seizures are one of both Arkansas’ and Missouri’s qualifying conditions for a medical marijuana card, and they are frequently used for certification in Oklahoma as well.
If you have been diagnosed with seizures, understand your rights to pursue treatment in one of these states and contact us to see if we can help!