Canabinoids as a therapeutic alternative in refractory epilepsy

Abstract

Introduction: Epilepsy is characterized by abnormal electrical discharges in the brain that generate neuronal hyperexcitability and hypersynchrony. In the last years, pharmacological strategies have been efficient in the control of epileptic seizures of approximately 80% of patients, however, there are still refractory cases. Objective: To elucidate new forms of epilepsy treatment with cannabinoids. Design: Systematic Review performed at Centro Universitário Atenas – Paracatu – Minas Gerais. Methods: Literature review performed in the SciELO and PubMed databases, with the following terms: epilepsy and cannabidiol. Five papers, published from 2017 to 2020, written in English or Portuguese, were selected. Review: Epileptic seizures affect conscience, motor, sensory, and cognitive functions. The treatment with available antiepileptic drugs does not display a complete therapeutic efficiency, as it is still observed the presence of refractory patients. In this context, the cannabidiol (CBD), by interfering in the information flow between neurons, acts therapeutically preventing overload. In the central nervous system, CBD acts in the CB1 receptors, present in GABAergic inhibitory neurons and glutamatergic excitatory neurons. Evidence from an electronic research performed in 2015, with 117 parents of children with refractory epilepsy that used cannabidiol, displayed that seizures were reduced by 85%, including 14% with total suppression. Conclusion: The studies show that CBD, by acting with specific neuronal receptors, decreases cerebral hyperexcitability. Therefore, this therapeutic alternative may improve the physical and emotional well-being of refractory epileptics.