Epilepsy & Seizure Disorders

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Epilepsy is a group of neurological disorders characterized by recurrent, unprovoked  seizures which are due to abnormal and excessive electrical activity within a specific region of the brain. 

Seizures are classified into two groups:

1. Generalized seizures abnormal electrical activity involving both hemispheres of the brain. 

• Absence seizures (Petit Mal Seizures) can cause rapid blinking or staring into space. 
• Tonic-clonic seizures (Grand mal seizures) individuals may scream or cry, fall to the ground and experience convulsions, become unresponsive and confused.
   

2. Focal seizures (Partial Seizures) abnormal electrical activity involving a specific region of the brain.

• Simple focal seizures may result in twitching or change in sense of taste or smell.
• Complex focal seizures may cause an individual to feel disoriented or confused.
• Secondary generalized seizures starts on one side of the brain and spreads to opposite side. Therefore, an individual initially experiences a focal seizure which progresses into a generalized seizure. 

References: 

1.   Cannabis and Epilepsy

2.  Epilepsy and cannabidiol: a guide to treatment

3.  Cannabis for the Treatment of Epilepsy: an Update

4.  Cannabidiol: pharmacology and potential therapeutic role in epilepsy and other neuropsychiatric disorders

5.  The Pharmacological Basis of Cannabis Therapy for Epilepsy

6.  Cannabis and Endocannabinoid Signaling in Epilepsy