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What is a Seizure? Definitions …
A seizure is a sudden, involuntary change in behavior, muscle control, consciousness, and/or
sensation. A seizure is often accompanied by an abnormal electrical discharge in the brain.
Symptoms of a seizure can range from sudden, violent shaking and total loss of consciousness
to muscle twitching or slight shaking of a limb. Staring into space, altered vision, and
difficult speech are some of the other behaviors that a person may exhibit while having a
seizure. Approximately 10% of the U.S. population will experience a single seizure in their
lifetime. (Source: The Epilepsy Foundation)
Seizures can have a significant impact on quality of life. They may cause serious injury if
they occur while a person is driving a vehicle or operating dangerous equipment. Seizures are
both mysterious and frightening, and can range from the mildly annoying to life threatening in
severity. Seizures were often referred to historically as convulsions or fits. Seizures are
classified on several dimensions, including the amount of the body they affect, the cause and
the duration.
Types
Seizures can be broken down into 3 basic classes (there are many more, but in a big-picture
sense) by how much of the body is affected:
Grand Mal
A Grand Mal or Tonic-Clonic seizure involves the complete body in a convulsion
Petit Mal
A Petit Mal or Focal seizure involves the convulsion of a part of the body
Absence
An Absence seizure is one in which the patient becomes unresponsive, often with little or no memory of the occurrence. The patient appears to be day-dreaming, but is non-rousable. (This is extremely rare in animals, and very hard to detect)
EFFECTS: Recurrent seizures may limit participation in school, employment and social activities.
Recurrent Seizures (Epilepsy)
People who have recurrent seizures that are caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain are frequently said to have epilepsy. Epilepsy is not a disease but a term used to indicate recurrent seizures. Epilepsy affects approximately 4 million people in North America and Europe. Worldwide, 40 million people are believed to have epilepsy. (Source: World Health Organization)
People with recurrent seizures are typically treated with antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), intended to reduce the frequency of the seizures or eliminate them altogether. Other treatment options, such as neurosurgery or special diets may be considered. However, approximately 25% of people with recurrent seizures are not helped with any treatment. (Source: The Epilepsy Foundation) All too frequently, people are told they must learn to live with the limitations of their treatment-resistant seizures.
Not a Seizure but "Syncope"?
Now, there may be new answers for people who continue to have seizures despite taking antiepileptic drugs. Recent medical research studies have found that some people with seizure-like episodes may not be having seizures at all, but rather may be experiencing "syncope." Syncope (pronounced sing'-koh'pee) is the medical term for fainting. It is caused by a reduction in blood flow and oxygen to the brain and results in loss of consciousness and physical collapse. Syncope is often due to a treatable cardiovascular cause.
It can be difficult to distinguish between a seizure-like episode that is actually syncope (or fainting), and a true epileptic seizure. This is because syncope often results in movements or behaviors that mimic those caused by a seizure -- these include muscle twitching, shaking, confusion, convulsions, and loss of consciousness.
Both syncope and epileptic seizures can occur suddenly and unpredictably. It has been estimated that 40% of people who experience syncope have seizure-like movements (Krumholz).
What happens in a seizure

Diagram of a typical seizure
In a seizure there is normally a stimulus that starts the brain down the path to seizing; this can be either something overt, such as ingestion of a drug, flashing lights or it could be some non-obvious change such as a drop in blood-glucose level or in body temperature. Often a patient's stimulus is the same, and after they reach their stimulus threshold, they will start the seizure process. Most patients, but not all, experience an Aura which can be a ringing or sound, smell or visual disturbance, shortly before starting into an active seizure. Most patients after experiencing a seizure will know to go lie down, or call for help, when they experience an aura. Animals may seek more or less attention, often hiding or cowering on the owners lap
At this point the patient will probably enter the seizure (in an absence seizure, they will simply appear to be daydreaming), which can range from uncontrolled twitching of a limb or facial muscle (focal), to a full grand-mal seizure, with full body convulsions. During a seizure of either type, the patient will not be responsive. During this time the body is using tremendous amounts of energy to sustain a seizure, and the danger here is that the brain is using up oxygen very rapidly. If the patient remains in this state for more than 5 minutes, it is called Status Epilepticus (often shortened to "status") which is a life threatening emergency, requiring immediate medical attention.
After the seizure has ended, in a isolated seizure, the patient will enter the post-ictal phase of the seizure. This can be thought of as the "resetting" period. The patient will often lie quietly, and allow for the body to return to normal. At this point one of 2 things can happen: The patient will return to normal, or re-enter the seizure phase. The reentry, if for a few times, is called a Cluster Seizure; if on the other hand, it is an endless cycle, this is in actuality Status Epilepticus.
Why are seizures harmful
The 2 basic reasons that seizures are harmful (in the short term) is that the patient can sustain trauma from the convulsions, and the brain can be starved of oxygen during sustained seizures. This can lead to brain damage, as any other oxygen deprivation of the brain will. There are also longer term, more subtle problems, but they are beyond the scope of this article.
What do I do when someone (or animal) seizes
The basic field treatment of a seizing patient, is to assure that they do not hurt themselves or others while seizing. In an absence seizure, nothing needs to be done, as long as the patient emerges in a reasonable period of time. In a convulsion type seizure, the first step is to remove dangerous objects that they might hit (tables, chairs, tools...). If possible at this point, place a pad or pillow under the head, to protect it from banging into the ground.
Contrary to the old-wives tale, patients cannot swallow their tongue, but can choke on items in their mouth, such as food or their tongue. However, DO NOT INSERT YOUR HANDS INTO A SEIZING PATIENT'S MOUTH. (this will simply add to the load of medical personell who now have a trauma patient as well) Remember the patient is not in control of their muscles, and the jaw has a set of muscles designed to cut through meat (such as fingers)!!! There is a special device called a tooth-screw designed to open the mouth of a seizing patient, that some EMT/Paramedics may have with them.
If the airway is occluded, the patient will, eventually stop seizing from lack of oxygen, and it is then safe to reach in (carefully!) and remove the obstruction, using CPR techniques. Remember that the patient could reenter the seizure, when you get enough air back into them.
If your patient has not exited within 5 minutes, or has reentered more than twice, you are now facing a much more serious problem, of having a seizing patient that needs immediate medical intervention. In the case of a human patient, call 911 (or your emergency number), and inform them that you have a patient in continuous seizure, and you need Advanced Life Support who carry the necessary drugs. If this is an animal, or ALS is not available in your area, you need to get the patient to a hospital as soon as possible. It is very important that you inform the hospital of your problem, so that they can prepare for your arrival. Tell them the following information:
- The length of time of the seizure
- The type of animal/Size
- Age
- Known epileptic/seizure prone (If so, what drugs are they on)
- Cause if known (such as toxin)
If neccesary, you will have to transport them yourself; this is hard, but they could die without anti-seizure medications. It is better to cause skeletal trauma, even breaking an arm or leg to get them into a car, than leaving them in "status".
For more stories containing testimonies and other information, see >
Marihemp: Research: Cannabinoids=Antioxidants=Prevent Seizures=NO Lies (Link, Info) Jump to Board: Cannabinoids=Antioxidants=Prevent Seizures=NO Lies More User Info Message #2162 posted by Pat (Info) August 13, 2000 11:18:47 ET In Reply to: Marijuana Lies posted by Claire August ... ... news clippings that are at Mr. Larry Stevens' website: Cannabis Prevents Seizures. You'll note that he has assembled a more info and links at this article / message board. Visit: http://www.cannabinoid.com/boards/msg6x2162.shtml
Causes …
Seizures are caused by abnormal electrical discharges in the brain. Find out what you need to know about seizures and what to do if your child has one.
Seizures are caused by abnormal electrical discharges in the brain. Symptoms may vary depending on the part of the brain that is stimulated, but seizures may be associated with unusual sensations, uncontrollable muscle spasms, and loss of consciousness.
Some seizures may be the result of a medical problem. Low blood sugar, infection, a head injury, accidental poisoning, or drug overdose may cause a seizure. A seizure may also be due to a brain tumor or other neurological abnormality. In addition, anything that results in a sudden lack of oxygen to the brain can cause a seizure. In some cases, the cause of the seizure may not be discovered. When seizures recur, it may indicate the chronic condition known as epilepsy.
Febrile seizures are relatively common in children younger than 5 years old. Febrile seizures can occur when a child develops a high fever, usually with the temperature rising rapidly to 102 degrees Fahrenheit or more. While terrifying to parents, these seizures are usually brief and rarely cause any problems, unless the fever is associated with a serious infection, such as meningitis. A child who has a febrile seizure is not more likely to develop epilepsy.
The Causes of Seizures and Seizure-like Episodes
Although the cause cannot always be identified, there are many different conditions that can cause seizures or seizure-like episodes. These can be grouped into four categories: neurological, cardiovascular, psychological, and other causes.
- Neurological conditions stemming from infections, brain injury, tumors, stroke, etc. These most often lead to changes in the brain's electrical activity and are sometimes referred to as "epileptic seizures."
- Psychological causes including panic attacks, hysteria, emotional distress, etc. Seizures caused by psychological conditions are often referred to as psychoseizures, pseudoseizures, or non-epileptic seizures.
- Cardiovascular conditions caused by heart rhythm abnormalities, blocked vessels, blood pressure irregularities, etc. These can lead to symptoms that are nearly identical to seizures from neurological conditions.
- Other causes can be related to metabolism (electrolyte imbalance, low blood sugar), diabetes, a high fever, etc.
Discovering why seizures occur can be difficult because there are so many possible causes and because seizures often happen infrequently and unpredictably, making them difficult for a doctor to assess with medical testing. In addition, some people have more than one condition that is causing seizures. Unfortunately, in up to 70% of cases, the cause of a person's seizures remains unknown. (Source: The Epilepsy Foundation)
The following chart lists some of the possible causes of seizures and seizure-like episodes.
---
Causes
The causes of these seizures can include:
- Alcohol Poisoning
- Drug Overdose/Reaction
- Hypoglycemia
- Poisons (including toxins thrown off by liver or renal failure)
- Head Injury
- Neurological defect (normally genetic)
- Fever (common in children)
- Sepsis (especially in the brain)
- Brain Tumor
- Stroke or other vascular problem
- Many other known/unknown causes
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Possible Causes of Seizures and Seizure-Like Episodes |
|
Neurological
Head injury
Brain tumor
Stroke
Migraine
Degenerative brain disease (e.g., multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease)
Movement disorders (e.g., Parkinson's disease)
|
Psychological
Extreme stress
Panic attacks
Emotional trauma
Mental illness
Hyperventilation
Hysteria
|
|
Cardiovascular
Abnormal heart rhythms
Cardiac outflow obstructions
Sudden drop in blood pressure
Blocked blood vessels
Heart valve disease
High blood pressure
|
Other Causes:
High fever
Changes in hormones or electrolytes
Drug or alcohol abuse
Sleep disorders
Infections
Toxicity
Diabetes
Drug complications
Birth defects
Low blood sugar
Unknown
|
Seizures are a symptom as well as condition; For related and other Conds, Symps where cannabis has been applied >
Cannabis: The debate
(Article)
Cannabis analogues have been shown to prevent seizures in epileptic patients when given in combination with prescription ...
Atus.net Desighed by Gus {Augustus Jervise ©} To provide you with the best information possible, on topics such as Computers, News, Reggae Entertainment Flyers etc.. With links within my site and to other related sites. Visit: http://www.atus.net/comechk/newsbin/health/Cannabis_The_debate.asp
The Cannabis Report (Research links and info) Hosted by Dr. David Hadorn - MD, PhD. Major Cannabis Reports Marijauna and Medicine - Assessing the Science Base - Institute of Medicine (IOM) - National Academy of Science 1999 Police Foundation Report of the Independent Inquiry on ... ... necessarily caused by dronabinol. Recurrent seizures without any precipitating events occur ...
Alzheimer's Disease:
(Ch.4, IOM, 1999):
Eleven Alzheimer's patients were treated for 12 weeks on an alternating schedule of dronabinol
and placebo (six weeks of each treatment). The dronabinol treatment resulted in substantial
weight gains and declines in disturbed behavior. No serious side effects were observed. One
patient had a seizure and was removed from the study, but the seizure was not necessarily
caused by dronabinol. Recurrent seizures without any precipitating events occur in 20% of
patients who have advanced dementia of Alzheimer's type. Nevertheless, these results are
encouraging enough to recommend further clinical research with cannabinoids.
Visit:
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AAMC: Can Cannabis Help Multiple Sclerosis? (Article and Org)
Can Cannabis Help Multiple Sclerosis? An International Debate Rages Jay R.
Cavanaugh, PhD Multiple Sclerosis is a disabling neurological disorder that afflicts
approximately 350,000 Americans and ... ... Cannabis has been reliably reported to help
alleviate many symptoms of MS including spasticity, seizures, neuropathy, ...
visit:
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Brain Injury Information Page.
Understanding brain anatomy and conditions, such as seizure, is one of the focuses of The
Brain Injury Information Page for TBI survivors, spouses and caregivers.
T he Brain Injury Information Page provides information
about brain injury, concussion, coma and head injury, for TBI survivors, spouses and
caregivers.
O ur goal is to provide education and assistance
with the process of diagnosis and proof of brain injury, sometimes called head injury. This
page features articles, information and graphics about traumatic brain injury.
O ur View of Advocacy: We
of the Brain Injury Law Group make our living as advocates.
But advocacy implies more than being a lawyer. It means dedicating oneself to the community we
serve - the survivor, the family member of the survivor, the medical professional. To that
end, we have created this home page, to provide information, resources and links, to help you
learn and solve the problems you face. Visit:
http://tbilaw.com
Hammesfahr Neurological Institute : Treatment and
Recovery for the Victims of Stroke, Brain Injury, Cerebral Palsy, and Learning Disabilities.
Hammesfahr Neurological Institute in Tampa Bay accepts the tough cases of
seizures.
http://www.hni-online.com
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). (link=info, org; subj=Seizures and Epilepsy: Hope Through Research) Information booklet on seizures, seizure disorders, and epilepsy compiled by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). Visit: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/health_and_medical/pubs/seizures_and_epilepsy_htr.htm
NINDS Febrile Seizures Information Page.
More about Febrile Seizures, Studies with patients, Research literature, Press releases, Disclaimer, ... NINDS Febrile Seizures Information Page Reviewed 07-01-2001. Visit: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/health_and_medical/disorders/febril...
EPIL
Although much remains to be learned about the causes and treatment of seizures, the following is a guide for the layman for understanding and managing seizures and epilepsy. Epilepsy is simply a condition where the patient experiences recurrent seizures. This article will apply both to humans as well as animals, with the understanding that some of the treatments may only apply to one or the other.
Article
What is epilepsy or a seizure
Goto the home page Epilepsy and Seizures. Dr Lori Feldman, DVM Henry Feldman, MA EMT-M, NREMT-B. Although ... Why are seizures harmful. The ...
http://members.aol.com/henryhbk/seizure.html
Epilepsy Foundation of America
Head Office - Dedicated to the welfare of people with epilepsy. Mission is to work for children and adults affected by seizures through research,
http://www.efa.org/
This is a webforum to discuss and comment on Parkinsons Disease.
(12/28/98) 10:39 PM. Seisures with Parkinson's ? (12/28/98) 1:37 PM ... PD and cannabis research? Experiences? (10/19/98) 5:26 PM...
http://dem0nmac.mgh.harvard.edu/forum/parkinsonsarchive2.html
For more information on seizures in general:
Article, "Epilepsy--Taming The Seizures, Dispelling The Myths". Treatment for epilepsy, a disorder that causes seizures, includes myriad drugs as well as special diets and surgery. ... If not halted, such seizures can be fatal. ... Visit: http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/1999/199_epil.html
News and Info leading to Links to Orgs and Biz:
Seizures .net - Developments in the treatment of epilepsy. Management of Seizures. Updates and New Info. ... Related Articles. Initial Management of New Onset Seizures: to Treat or Not to Treat? Women and Epilepsy. Visit: http://www.seizures.net/
MedlinePlus (link=info, org; subj= Seizures) A goldmine of good health information from the world's largest medical library, the National Library of Medicine (NLM). Health professionals and consumers alike can depend on it for information that is authoritative and up to date. MedlinePlus has extensive information from the National Institutes of Health and other trusted sources on over 650 diseases and conditions. There are also lists of hospitals and physicians, a medical encyclopedia and a medical dictionary, health information in Spanish, extensive information on prescription and nonprescription drugs, health information from the media, and links to thousands of clinical trials. MedlinePlus is updated daily and can be bookmarked at the URL: medlineplus.gov. There is no advertising on this site, nor does MedlinePlus endorse any company or product.
Search MEDLINE for recent research articles on Seizures: * Epileptic * Non-epileptic. ... View slideshow on: Seizures and Epilepsy. ... visit: ?
Online Medical Service lookup & registry. Seizures (Search FastHealth.com) Seizures; Convulsion First Aid Epilepsy/Seizures Febrile Seizures First Aid - Seizures First Aid for Seizures First Aid For Seizures - COPE First Aid For Seizures ... Visit: http://www.fasthealth.com/dirs/em_seizures.php
Epilepsy and Seizures - Neurologychannel. A clearinghouse for neurology news and information, neurologychannelMD gives physicians access to current CME, the latest procedural videos, discussion boards and more. Formerly MDOnly, neurologychannelMD still has all the features NeurologySite members have come to know, including website statistics.
There are many disorders that cause seizures, epilepsy is only one. Learn about treatment and diagnosis of seizure disorders. ... It is not a distinct disease, it is a group of disorders for which recurrent seizures are the main symptom. ... visit: http://www.neurologychannel.com/seizures
Seizures and Children.
Seizures are caused by abnormal electrical discharges in the
brain. Find out what you need to know about seizures and what to do if your child has
one. Visit:
http://www.kidshealth.org/parent/firstaid_safe/emergencies/seizure.html
Welcome to KidsHealth! KidsHealth is the largest and most visited site on the Web providing doctor-approved health information about children from before birth through adolescence. Created by The Nemours Foundation's Center for Children's Health Media, the award-winning KidsHealth provides families with accurate, up-to-date, and jargon-free health information they can use. KidsHealth has been on the Web since 1995 - and has been accessed by over 100,000,000 visitors.
KidsHealth has separate areas for kids, teens, and parents - each with its own design, age-appropriate content, and tone. There are literally thousands of in-depth features, articles, animations, games, and resources - all original and all developed by experts in the health of children and teens.
The Nemours Center for Children's Health Media and The Nemours Foundation.
The Nemours Center for Children's Health Media is a part of
The Nemours Foundation,
a charitable organization created by philanthropist Alfred I. duPont in 1936 and devoted to
improving the health of children. The Center creates family-friendly print, video, and CD-ROM
projects. Among our recent projects are Scribner's multivolume Encyclopedia of Human
Diseases and Conditions, distributed in schools and libraries throughout the United
States. Our 800-page softbound book, KidsHealth Guide for Parents - Pregnancy to Age 5,
is published by McGraw-Hill/Contemporary Press. A variety of videos for families on a range of
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The pediatrician-led Center is unique in the nation with its exclusive focus on children's
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Visit: http://kidshealth.org/
Seizure Medication Studies in Children. Clinical
trials of epilepsy drug recruiting children having seizures and Clinical trials of
epilepsy drug now recruiting children under 4 years old having seizures.
Clinical trials are scientific research studies designed
to find better ways to treat or prevent diseases. Our goal is to help you make educated
decisions about participating in a clinical trial and to help you understand the trial
experience. Participating in a clinical trial is an important personal decision. This section
will help you gain a better understanding of what is involved in clinical trials and includes
FAQs, a glossary of terms, the basics about informed consent agreements, and the ability to
find the right clinical trial for you. Visit:
http://etrials.novartis.com
For more information about Cannabis as Medicine >
Medicinal Uses of Cannabis
Article, Research links and info.
Medicinal Uses of Cannabis Tod H. Mikuriya, M.D. "Hemp is used in various forms, by the
dissipated and depraved, as the ready agent of a pleasing intoxication. ... Over 150 years
later cannabis prohibition causes the drug to be ... the initiation of the
cannabis buyers clubs in 1992 there ... Visit:
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Therapeutic Uses of Cannabis in general
Therapeutic uses of cannabis (medical marijuana), including asthma, glaucoma, tumors,
nausea treatment, AIDS, cancer therapy, sea sickness, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, back pain,
muscle spasms, ... ... Cannabis users' epileptic seizures are of less intensity
than the more dangerous seizures experienced by users of ... visit:
http://www.electricemperor.com/eecdrom/TEXT/TXTCH07.HTM
Research, Journal of Cannabis Therapeutic
s: An Editorial Introduction 1
Ethan Russo
Marijuana (Cannabis) as Medicine 5 Leo E.
Hollister
... KEYWORDS. Cannabis, marijuana,
THC, dronabinol, vomiting, spasticity, ano-. rexia, pain, seizures, glaucoma, asthma,
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visit:
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News and info, Cannabis in general. Visit:
http://www.cannabisnews.com
Info page for Biz
What drugs are used
The hospital or paramedics will normally administer a large dose of Diazepam (Valium)
via rapid IV injection, which is extremely rapid acting, and will often stop the convulsions
within seconds. The second most common drug that is used in Phenobarbital, which is
slower and longer acting, and actually is an anti-seizure drug, rather than an
anti-convulsant. When the patient is no longer seizing in the emergency sense, the long term
management of the condition will commence, and a variety of anti-seizure drugs are used, and
will be discussed with you by your doctor.
For more on this see: http://members.aol.com/henryhbk/seizure.html
Understanding Epilepsy
Answers on Epilepsy, Seizures, community support & treatment info
TRILEPTAL is an antiepileptic drug that has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration and is indicated for use as monotherapy or adjunctive therapy in the treatment
of partial seizures in adults with epilepsy and as adjunctive therapy in the treatment of
partial seizures in children ages 4 to 16 with epilepsy. This section of the Web site explains
the benefits of TRILEPTAL, and provides safety information as well as the answers to some
common questions about this treatment.
http://www.understandingepilepsy.com/
For more info and resources:
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Epilepsy Healer
Seizures and epilepsy elimination. Most cases healed or helped.
Ivan Gellner specializes in treating a range of health problems, skin disorders, drug
addictions and mental health problems, such as Eczema, Anorexia, Bulimia, Coeliac/Celiac
disorder (gluten intolerance), Epilepsy, Drug and Alcohol addictions, Immune system
disorders and many other problems. He is also known to be capable of removing so
called "ghosts", "noisy ghosts" (Poltergeists) and sever negative energies.
http://www.healer-cz.com/
(org)
American Epilepsy Society
Featured Review. Febrile Seizures and Messial Temporal
Sclerosis Epilepsy Currents, Volume 3, Number 4...
http://www.aesnet.org/
>
These are articles related to Epilepsy issues.
Epilepsy Menu - 3/23/95 to 10/17/96
Cannabis and Epilepsy (7/22/96)
http://neuro-www.mgh.harvard.edu/neurowebforum/EPArchive2.html
where you’ll find:
1. Karler, R and Turkenis, S. The Cannabinoids as Potential Antiepileptics.
J.Clinical Pharmacology. 21 (suppl):4375-4485, 1981.
2. Feeney, D.M. Marihuana and Epilepsy: Paradoxical Anticonvulsnat and Convulsant Effects. in
Marihuana: Biological Effects, ed. Nahas, G.G. and Paton, W.D>M.,Pergamon Press,Oxford,
1979, pp.643-657.
also see article, Cannabis and Epilepsy, by Karler and Turkanis in same book as 2 ---,pp.
619-641.
how cannabis helps ...
General Feedback Menu - Archive 1/6/97 to 1/27/97
http://neuro-www.mgh.harvard.edu/neurowebforum/GFMArchive14.html
with testimonials such as …
EPILEPSY AND CANNABIS
I HAVE SUFFERED FROM GRAND MAL SEIZURES THE AGE OF 12. I AM NOW 24 AND HAVE USED 300 MG
DILANTIN NIGHTLY TO CONTROL PRIMARILY SEIZURES BEGINNING AT 6:00 A.M. I HAVE BEGUN SETTING MY
ALARM CLOCK FOR 5:45 AND WAKING UP. I AM NOT CONVERSANT IN EPILEPSY TERMONOLOGY, BUT I DO KNOW
THAT BETA-BRAIN WAVES ARE IMPORTANT IN MY EPILEPSY. BETAS OCCUR DURING DEEP SLEEP. IF I WAKE
UP, THEN MY THRESHOLD WINDOW IS SET BACK MANY HOURS. AT THE SAME TIME, I HAVE REDUCED DILANTIN
INTAKE, ALTERNATELY OF 200 OR 300 MG NIGHTLY. I HAVEN'T HAD ANY PROBLEMS YET.
I HAVE READ MUCH RECENTLY CONCERNING THE THERAPEUTIC VALUE OF MARIJUANA IN SEIZURE CONTROL.
THERE ARE QUITE A FEW REFERENCES TO BE READ, MORE THAN YOU'D THINK. CONTACT YOUR NEUROLOGIST
FOR MORE INFO.
From: http://neuro-www.mgh.harvard.edu/neurowebforum/GeneralFeedbackArticles/1.15.974.58PMepilepsycannabis.
aesnet.org
Contact the staff at 860.586.7505 at the extensions below or send an e-mail. AES 342 North Main Street West Hartford, CT 06117
ct our office to request a letter by e-mail, phone-860.586.7505 or fax-860-586-7566\
The American Epilepsy Society promotes research and education for professionals dedicated to the prevention, treatment and cure of epilepsy. Membership in the Society is made up of clinicians and researchers investigating basic and clinical aspects of epilepsy, and other health-care professionals interested in seizure disorders.
The American Epilepsy Society is one of the oldest neurological professional organizations in this country. The Society seeks to promote interdisciplinary communications, scientific investigation and exchange of clinical information about epilepsy.
Membership consists of clinicians, scientists investigating basic and clinical aspects of epilepsy, and other professionals interested in seizure disorders. Members represent both pediatric and adult aspects of epilepsy.
The American Epilepsy Society’s Annual Meeting features symposia, lectures, poster presentations and exhibitions. The AES Annual Meeting provides an open forum for members to communicate and disseminate current findings in the field of epilepsy.
In the Epilepsy Currents section:
Endocannabinoids and Their Implications for Epilepsy
Endocannabinoids are released by bursts of action potentials, including events resembling interictal spikes, and probably by seizures as well. Inasmuch as THC is a plant- derived compound not produced in mammals, endogenous ligands must exist for the cannabinoid receptor, that is, endocannabinoids. Synthesis and release of anandamide and 2- AG can be initiated by an increase in intracellular neuronal calcium concentration.
Cannabinoids: Defending the Epileptic Brain
Furthermore, we determined that during an short- term pilocarpine- induced seizure, levels of the endogenous CB1 ligand 2- arachidonylglycerol increased significantlywithin the hippocampal brain region. These data not only indicate anticonvulsant activity of exogenously applied cannabinoids but also suggest that endogenous cannabinoid tone modulates seizure termination and duration through activation of the CB1 receptor. By demonstrating a role for the endogenous cannabinoid system in ...
ENDOCANNABINOID EFFECTS ON FEBRILE SEIZURES: NOT JUST A TOKE(N) MECHANISM
CURRENT LITERATURE ENDOCANNABINOID EFFECTS ON FEBRILE SEIZURES: NOT JUST A TOKE( N) MECHANISM Long- term Plasticity of Endocannabinoid Signaling Induced by Developmental Febrile Seizures Chen K, Ratzliff A, Hilgenberg L, Gulyas A, Freund TF, Smith M, Dinh TP, Piomelli D, Mackie K, Soltesz I Neuron 2003; 39: 599? 611 Febrile (fever- induced) seizures are the most common form of childhood seizures, affecting 3% to 5% of infants and young children. The potentiation of endocannabinoid signaling ...
--------------
mayoclinic.com
svc, onl
--------
Seizure disorders
A seizure occurs when some brain cells send abnormal electrical signals. This can lead to temporary changes in sensation, behavior, movement or consciousness.
Understanding seizure disorders
Epilepsy
Febrile seizure
Grand mal seizure
Petit mal seizure
Temporal lobe seizure
Managing seizure disorders
Cell phones: Can they trigger seizures?
Epilepsy surgery: A viable treatment option
Frontal lobe epilepsy
--------
Epilepsy
By Mayo Clinic staff
http://www.mayoclinic.com/invoke.cfm?objectid=352B66F5-CF68-45A7-A0E816C2832ABA06
Overview
Article sections:
Overview
Signs and symptoms
Causes
Risk factors
When to seek medical advice
Screening and diagnosis
Complications
Treatment
Self-care
Coping skills
Approximately 2 million people in the United States have epilepsy, a chronic disorder of the brain that causes a tendency to have recurrent seizures. Two or more seizures must occur before a person can receive the diagnosis of epilepsy, also known as a seizure disorder. It's not uncommon for children to have a single seizure, and an estimated 5 percent to 10 percent of the population will experience a seizure at some time in their life.
Marijuana as medicine?
Marijuana may help relieve pain and other symptoms, but its use in medicine remains controversial.
Marijuana as medicine?
By Mayo Clinic staff
People have used marijuana as a medical treatment for thousands of years. Such uses extend even to modern America. Marijuana was listed by the US Pharmacopeia, the organization that sets quality standards for approved drugs in the United States, until the 1940s, when political pressure against marijuana's recreational use triggered its removal.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/invoke.cfm?objectid=339FC92E-C775-4333-97FA4625C7B27705
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