Long-Term Impact in the Quality of Life of Patients with Drug-Resistant Epilepsy That Use Cannabidiol

Gabriela Pesántez Ríos,Galo Pesantez Cuesta,Luciana Armijos,Estefanía Chediak,Ruth Jimbo,Ignacio Pascual Pascual,Hugo Navarrete Zambrano,Ximena Pesántez Ríos

doi:10.4236/nm.2021.124009

Abstract

Introduction: Epilepsy is considered a chronic neurological condition that manifests itself with seizures, where 30% - 40% of patients do not achieve control of their seizures despite proper management. Seizures represent a significant limitation in the patient’s daily activities and are often accompanied by emotional and relational difficulties that have a great impact on the quality of life of the patient and their families. Cannabidiol (CBD) has been found to be effective in controlling seizures and may also improve cognitive and behavioral abilities. Material and Methods: The Quality of Life of the Patient with Epilepsy (CAVE) scale was applied to patients with refractory epilepsies who use Cannabidiol (CBD) added to their base therapy, before the use of CBD and after 12 months of follow-up. The presentation of collateral effects was also evaluated. Results: Out of 34 patients, 26 (76.5%) increased their CAVE value at the end of the study and only 1 (2.9%) decreased. 19 (55.9%) improved in learning and behavior, 55.8% in the frequency of seizures and 79.4% reported a decrease in the intensity of seizures. There were other positive side effects such as improvement in alertness, language, sleep and behavior. The main side effects were mild and transitory, including drowsiness, and constipation. There was a correlation between the global perception of improvement and seizure control. Conclusions: This study shows that in the long term CBD improves the quality of life of patients with refractory epilepsies, through the control of seizures and the improvement of cognitive and behavioral functions.

Highlights

Epilepsy is considered a chronic neurological condition that manifests itself with seizures, where 30% - 40% of patients do not achieve control of their seizures despite proper management
Material and Methods: The Quality of Life of the Patient with Epilepsy (CAVE) scale was applied to patients with refractory epilepsies who use Cannabidiol (CBD) added to their base therapy, before the use of CBD and after 12 months of follow-up
This study shows that in the long term CBD improves the quality of life of patients with refractory epilepsies, through the control of seizures and the improvement of cognitive and behavioral functions

Summary

Introduction

Epilepsy is considered a chronic neurological condition that manifests itself with seizures, where 30% - 40% of patients do not achieve control of their seizures despite proper management. Seizures represent a significant limitation in the patient’s daily activities and are often accompanied by emotional and relational difficulties that have a great impact on the quality of life of the patient and their families. Cannabidiol (CBD) has been found to be effective in controlling seizures and may improve cognitive and behavioral abilities. Conclusions: This study shows that in the long term CBD improves the quality of life of patients with refractory epilepsies, through the control of seizures and the improvement of cognitive and behavioral functions. Other factors that negatively affect the individual’s QoL cannot be undermined, such as excessive fatigue, social isolation, low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, various degrees of cognitive dysfunction (mainly memory and concentration), lack of independence and great emotional and behavioral instability [2] [4]

Methods

Results

Conclusion