Patients with severe epilepsy lead a life considerably reduced. These treatments aren’t always effective — especially when a person has drug-resistant or severe epilepsy — and it pays to be open to more uncommon options.
In recent years, cannabis has become a possible treatment for epileptic patients to reduce the frequency and severity of seizures in the past few years. Patients in Connecticut with severe epilepsy have access to medical marijuana as a new treatment option.
In this article, we look at the role of cannabis in the treatment of epilepsy, how to get a Connecticut medical marijuana card, and how telemedicine allows it to be a little easier.
Severe Epilepsy and Its Impact
What is Severe Epilepsy?
Epilepsy produces repeated seizures owing to aberrant brain electrical activity. In severe epilepsy, seizures are frequent, chronic, or resistant to therapy.
Conditions like Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome are examples of severe epilepsy, where patients may experience multiple seizures daily, leading to developmental delays, cognitive issues, and even life-threatening complications.
Challenges Faced by Severe Epilepsy Patients
Many challenges go along with living with severe epilepsy. Seizures can be frequent, causing brain damage, mobility problems, and a reduced ability to function daily.
The unpredictability of the seizures also increases safety risks and thus limits patients’ independence and further the need for constant supervision. Standard treatments include anti-epileptic drugs, and for many patients, such treatments are insufficient, and the side effects of these drugs are debilitating.
How Cannabis Helps Alleviate Epilepsy Symptoms
Cannabidiol (CBD) and Seizure Reduction
A compound from cannabis, cannabidiol (CBD), is being closely examined as a way to cut seizures in people with unusually severe epilepsy.
Cannabidiol has been shown to lower the frequency of convulsive seizures in 15 percent to 39 percent of patients.
Although CBD is showing strong results in clinical trials — especially with drug-resistant epilepsy — Epidiolex, a CBD-based drug, has yet to be approved by the FDA. Importantly, in some cases, patients became free of seizures when CBD was integrated into their treatment regimen.
Anti-Inflammatory and Neuroprotective Properties of Cannabis
In addition to its ability to reduce seizures, CBD also exhibits anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties.
These effects can help protect the brain from damage caused by prolonged or repeated seizures, improving cognitive function and reducing the risk of further neurological complications.
Cannabis interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system to regulate brain activity and restore balance to overactive neural pathways.
Alleviating Anxiety and Improving Sleep
Many epilepsy patients also suffer from anxiety and sleep disturbances, both of which can exacerbate seizure activity. Cannabis, particularly CBD, has calming effects that can help reduce anxiety and promote better sleep.
By improving sleep quality and reducing stress, cannabis may indirectly lower the frequency of seizures in some patients.
Accessing Medical Marijuana for Severe Epilepsy in Connecticut
Qualifying for Medical Marijuana
Severe epilepsy is acknowledged as a qualified condition for the use of medical marijuana in Connecticut. However, due to the illness of epilepsy not being well taken care of by all traditional medications, patients are allowed to apply for MMJ cards.
In order to qualify, patients must be certified by a Connecticut-licensed healthcare provider who believes that medical marijuana would help their treatment plan.
The Simple Application Process for a Medical Marijuana Card
After being certified by a medical provider, patients can then apply for an online medical marijuana registration with the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection.
Applying is simple, requiring you to show simple residency documents, a medial certificate, and a registration payment. Upon approval, patients can buy cannabis products from state-licensed dispensaries.
Connecticut companies are offering telemedicine for people with serious epilepsy.
Telemedicine for Severe Epilepsy Patients in Connecticut
The Convenience of Telemedicine
People with epilepsy who have trouble getting around or attending in-person visits could be at an advantage with telemedicine. Patients can also obtain their medical marijuana recommendations online by consulting a licensed healthcare provider via telemedicine.
The result should be reduced visits to the doctor and more accessibility for severe epilepsy patients who may experience many seizures.
Cost of Medical Marijuana Recommendations
Telemedicine medical marijuana recommendations for new patients are available at $179, with yearly renewals priced at just $149. This low-cost kit enables patients to become certified from their homes, giving them access to relief much faster.
Benefits of Cannabis for Severe Epilepsy Patients
Reducing Seizure Frequency and Improving Quality of Life
Medical cannabis has allowed many Connecticut residents who suffer from epilepsy to dramatically reduce the number of seizures they experience. Cannabis use, and CBD in particular, has been found to decrease the frequency and severity of seizures, leading to an overall increase in quality of life for these patients.
Indeed, many parents of children with severe epilepsy have said that once they started using cannabis for their child’s condition, there was a profound effect on his or her abilities to conduct normal daily functions and engage in learning and socializing.
Reducing Dependence on Prescription Medications
One of the key benefits of medical cannabis is its ability to reduce the need for prescription medications, which often come with severe side effects. Cannabis offers a more natural and effective alternative for managing seizures, helping patients avoid the risks associated with long-term use of anti-epileptic drugs.
Conclusion
Medical cannabis has proven to be a valuable tool in managing severe epilepsy, offering patients a new way to reduce seizure frequency and improve their quality of life. In Connecticut, patients can access medical marijuana through the state’s medical marijuana program, and telemedicine has made it easier than ever to obtain certification.
If you or a loved one is living with severe epilepsy, consider exploring medical cannabis as part of your treatment plan.
Call to Action (CTA):
“Interested in exploring how medical marijuana can help manage your epilepsy symptoms? Book an online consultation with a certified doctor today and start your application for a Connecticut Medical Marijuana Card.”
FAQs
How does cannabis help people with severe epilepsy?
Cannabis, particularly CBD, helps reduce the frequency and intensity of seizures in patients with severe epilepsy, improving their quality of life.
Is severe epilepsy a qualifying condition for medical marijuana in Connecticut?
Yes, severe epilepsy is recognized as a qualifying condition under Connecticut’s medical marijuana program.
How much does a medical marijuana recommendation via telemedicine cost in Connecticut?
The cost for a telemedicine consultation is $179 for new patients and $149 for yearly renewals.
How do I apply for a medical marijuana card for severe epilepsy in Connecticut?
You can apply online after receiving certification from a licensed healthcare provider. The process is simple and can be completed through the state’s online portal.
Can I use telemedicine to get a medical marijuana recommendation for epilepsy?
Yes, telemedicine allows you to consult with a certified doctor online to obtain a medical marijuana recommendation.
