Tag Archives: Epilepsy

The benefits of CBD

Image is a photograph of a shelf inside a fridge in a store in America, showing various CBD-infused beverages

CBD-infused goods are now readily available across the world
(Image Wikipedia)

Many people feel that there is a stigma around the consumption of cannabis (marijuana) because of the psychoactive component known as THC (tetrahydrocannabidol) – however, although CBD is an active ingredient of cannabis, it has no psychoactive properties. Therefore it does not produce a “high”, and is not known to cause addictive dependency or issues with substance abuse.

CBD stands for Cannabidiol – a chemical compound found in the cannabis plant. Cannabidiol is proven to help manage and diminish a number of health conditions, and give your system an extra boost of something that it actually already produces naturally: Endocannoabinoids – which help elevate mood, dampen pain and even fortify your memory.

Here we will talk about the various uses for CBD products and what you need to take into consideration should you choose to use them.

CBD for Epilepsy

There is strong scientific data that proves consumption of CBD-related products can have a positive effect on many different types of health condition. Most notably over the past year, it has become mainstream knowledge that CBD can be used concurrently with traditional medication to help stem seizures for children with epilepsy conditions, such as Dravets Syndrome and LGS (Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome). Whereas previously some children with epilepsy conditions did not respond to anti-seizure medication, CBD as an alternative treatment is offering proven results, and hope to many parents around the world.

CBD for Mental Health and Neurological Conditions

CBD is also proven to alleviate the severity of a number of mental health conditions, most strikingly helping those diagnosed with anxiety and stress-related sleep issues, such as insomnia. For many with anxiety, depression and insomnia, finding the correct medication can often be a challenge – and facing the plethora of known side-effects from antidepressants can sometimes be detrimental to the recovery of the patient. CBD oils and capsules are an excellent starting-point for those with mental health conditions, and can help alleviate some of the lesser symptoms before moving-on to pharmaceutical medication.

The ability of CBD to calm and suppress certain functions of the central nervous system, can provide real life-changing results for patients with neurological conditions including Alzheimer’s, and tests show that CBD can even help slow-down the degeneration of neurons in patients.

CBD for Chronic Pain Relief

Image is a photograph of a small metal tin of CBD Joint balm on a wooden table

CBD Joint Palm for aching joints and muscles

Before CBD was separated from its fellow cannabis component THC (which provides a “high” when smoking marijuana) and became available on the high street, many people with unbearable chronic pain conditions would be forced to illegally purchase and consume cannabis to try to alleviate their suffering.

There are countless chronic pain conditions that can be managed more easily with either CBD capsules, oils or even better, specific balms that can be applied directly to sore, aching joints and problem areas to bring much-needed relief.

Massaging with CBD balms can be especially beneficial for those with sore and tender joint conditions – as CBD has anti inflammatory properties that offer promising pain relief for those with arthritis and joint injuries.

 

Types of CBD Explained

You may be feeling a little bewildered by the different types of CBD products currently on offer, and understandably so. The market for CBD products is growing at a daily rate, and everything from Vapes to hemp gummies are being sold. Below we will explain some of the most common options for CBD usage, and also some information about the strains of CBD currently available in the UK.

  • Oils and Tinctures – These are created for you to ingest orally, usually by putting a few drops on or under your tongue. CBD Tinctures are mixed with alcohol, CBD oils are usually mixed with a carrier oil like hemp. Often people do not like the taste of the oils, however you can mix your tincture or oil into smoothies and juices if you prefer.
  • Topical Balms and Creams – Whether you prefer lotions, balms or salves – there is a CBD-infused option for everyone. Many high-end topicals combine natural and organic essential oils together with CBD extract to create luxurious face balms and soothing massage salves for aching, painful joints.
  • Capsules and Supplements – Capsules are ideal for those who like the routine of taking a tablet each day, and can simply be taken with a glass of water like you would with any other sort of tablet. Many are produced in gelatin-free, vegan capsules, and the CBD content will vary depending on the strength chosen.
  • Vapes or Vaping – As Vaping is now so commonplace in society, it seems only natural to consider vaping CBD vape oil – however it is said that vaping CBD is actually less effective and beneficial than other methods of administration, with tinctures being the most effective and speedy way to benefit from the effects.

Strains and Strengths of CBD Oil

Image is a photograph of three tincture bottles of Indica CBD oil of different strengths

Bottles show the different strengths of Indica CBD available from Another CBD Company

There are three main strains of Cannabis from which CBD is processed. Each strain has its own specific qualities, that will be beneficial depending on what condition you are wishing to treat.
Once you have chosen your desired strain, it is then time to choose a strength – again this can be subjective as everyone reacts differently to different strengths – but it is best to start on a lower strength and work-up from there if you feel the need to.

 

 

Sativa

Image is a photograph of a tincture bottle of Sativa CBD oil on a wooden tableCannabis Sativa plants have long, slender, light lime green leaves. Sativa CBD provides an invigorating, wakening effect that is excellent for treating stress and anxiety. Usually considered the “daytime” cannabis, many use it for boosting focus and creativity.
Health conditions Sativa works best with include: anxiety, depression, PTSD

Indica

Image is a photograph of a tincture bottle of Indica CBD oil on a wooden tableThe leaves of the Cannabis Indica plant are stubbier, broader and darker in colour than the leaves of the Sativa. Cannabis Indica is associated with an overall relaxing feeling, contributing to a sense of calm and peacefulness. Sativa is known as the “nighttime” cannabis.
Health conditions Indica works best with include: Insomnia, aches and pains, muscle spasms and tremors, epilepsy, arthritis, multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s Disease and autism

Hybrid

Hybrid CBDImage is a photograph of a tincture bottle of Hybrid CBD oil on a wooden table is exactly what it sounds like – a crossbreed of the Cannabis Indica and Cannabis Sativa plants. Therefore the effects will be a balance of the qualities of the Indica and Sativa plants used. Each hybrid is different, and the outcome of effects will depend upon the ratio of the two plants within the hybrid strain.

Purple Day 2013

Logo for Purple Day - illustration of a purple and green globe, with a green ribbon wrapped around it

Purple Day was founded in 2008, and is celebrated each year on March 26th

International Purple Day: Raising awareness of epilepsy

Purple Day is a worldwide event dedicated to raising awareness about epilepsy. Since Canadian Cassidy Megan created Purple Day in 2008, March 26th has seen people from across the globe join together for the cause.

Supporting Purple Day can be as simple as wearing an item of purple clothing. However many organise events to not only raise money for epilepsy charities, but to give people a chance to discuss epilepsy and meet others with the condition.

600,000 UK people living with epilepsy

Purple Day offers fantastic support for those who suffer from epilepsy as well as their families and friends. There are currently over 600,000 people in the UK who are living with epilepsy. Yet despite these numbers the condition is still often misunderstood by the public. 1 in 10 people will have a seizure  at some time in their lives.

Epilepsy is a condition that is characterised by seizures. A seizure is caused by a disturbance of electrical activity in the brain. This can then can manifest itself physically

Image of Cassidy Megan - Puple Day founder - young girl with freckles and dark wavy hair

Cassidy Megan – founded Purple Day to raise awareness and dispel the myths surrounding epilepsy

in a number of ways. Seizures can be mild or severe. A mild seizure can cause brief loss of consciousness and loss of muscle tone. However more severe seizures  can leave the sufferer totally unconsciousness and their body stiff.

Do and Don’ts for Seizures

If you are with someone and they are having a seizure that causes jerky body movements (know as a  tonic-clonic seizure ) you should do the following:

  • move them from anything that could cause them injury, such as a hot stove or away from traffic
  • note the time of that the seizure began, this can be important for medical treatment later. Try and time the seizure.
  • rest their head on clothing or a cushion if they are on the floor
  • help them to breathe by loosening ties, scarfs or other tight clothing around their necks
  • when the convulsions begin to stop, put them in the recovery position by turning them on their side, again keeping their airway open
  • reassure them and talk to them gently. Having a seizure causes embarrassment and anxiety. People are often confused when they come round. Stay with them.

 

Don’t put your fingers or anything else in the person’s mouth, they will not ‘swallow their tongue’ although they may bite it but it will heal and not cause lasting damage. Putting anything into the persons mouth could be dangerous or cause them harm.

When should I call an ambulance?

 

People with epilepsy may have seizures quite frequently and do not need to go to the hospital each time. Most seizures last less than 5 minutes. The person will usually be able to let you know if they require an ambulance or not. People with epilepsy may have a mediband, sos bracelet or necklace or carry an emergency card to let people know what to do.

You should call an ambulance by dialing 999,  if:

  • you know that the person has never had a seizure before
  • the seizure goes on for more than 5 minutes
  • seizures occur in a series, and they appear to stop, but then begin again
  • the person does not regain consciousness or is having difficulty breathing

Dravet Syndrome

 

Although epilepsy is relatively common in the UK, there are rarer epileptic conditions. My son has Dravet Syndrome which is a rare and life-threatening form of epilepsy that is diagnosed in children. Dravet Syndrome affects around 1 in 30,000 children in the UK. Whilst this is rare, they are around 200 families on our UK Dravet Facebook group.

 

Many children who are diagnosed with Dravet Syndrome develop normally until they have their first seizure around 3 to 6 months old. After the epilepsy begins children will gradually lose the developmental skills they previously had and find it hard to progress and learn. The developmental issues that occur with Dravet Syndrome can cause delays in speech and language, motor skills and the functioning of the nervous system.

Whether it is rarer forms of epilepsy such as Dravet Syndrome, or common forms – the effect of the symptoms strongly impact upon the quality of life of those that have epilepsy. That is why global awareness raising events like Purple Day are so important in raising funds and over coming the stigma that can come with the condition.

The XL Challenge

 

A fun way to support Dravet Syndrome charities and epilepsy research this year is to follow David of thexlchallenge.com. David has so far completed challenges including a dip in the sea for New Years Day, fun runs, eating bugs in a bush tucker challenge, half marathons and Terror nights!

 

David is doing 40 challenges in his 40th year and raising lots of money and awareness of Dravet Syndrome and epilepsy along the way.

dravet syndrome fundraising

David after a charity run in Cypress

He still has many unusual tasks to complete this year, follow him on twitter, check out his page and sponsor him!

 

Getting Involved in Purple Day 2013

Photograph of two pairs of purple Greeper shoe laces, one in sealed in a packet and the other open and on display

A pair of fantastic Greeper Laces are on offer to anybody who mentions purple day on their blog and links back to us.

To celebrate Purple Day 2013, we are offering a 10 free pairs of purple Greeper Laces to our readers who are willing to share their thoughts on the event.
Perhaps you’re hosting a Purple Day party, or taking part in a sponsored event? Epilepsy Research UK offer a fundraising pack filled with ideas to raise awareness and bring support to those with epilepsy this Purple Day. From wearing purple to school or work, or even dying your hair purple – like Helen Webster of Salisbury.

 

 

 

Purple Day Laces Giveaway!

We’d love to hear your Purple Day stories or accounts of living with epilepsy. Or even a mention of Purple day on your blog to help raise epilepsy awareness. Simply write a short blog post (at least 200 words) and give Purple Day  a mention, leave a comment below. We will send you a free pair of  awesome ‘once applied always tied’ purple Greeper Laces. (offer limited to UK residents, 10 pairs to give away!) **Sorry Offer Now Closed**