CBD reduced seizure frequency across multiple types of drug-resistant epilepsy in children | Research

The takeaway

In a multicenter retrospective analysis, CBD as an add-on treatment reduced median seizure frequency from 30 to 8 per month across various pediatric drug-resistant epilepsy types.

Pediatric neurologists, epilepsy specialists, families of children with drug-resistant epilepsy

73% reduction in median monthly seizure frequency

What the researchers found

Among all patients with drug-resistant epilepsy receiving adjunctive CBD, 49% achieved up to 25% seizure reduction, 5% had 26-50% reduction, 21% reached 51-75% reduction, 20% experienced 76-99% reduction, and 5% achieved near seizure freedom. Median seizure frequency dropped from 30 at baseline to 8 post-treatment (P=0.000). Significant reductions occurred within each diagnostic category including focal/multifocal epilepsy, primary generalized epilepsy, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, Dravet syndrome, and other developmental and epileptic encephalopathies.

Why it matters

While CBD is already approved for specific epilepsy syndromes (Lennox-Gastaut, Dravet), evidence for its effectiveness across broader epilepsy types has been limited. This multicenter data suggests CBD may benefit drug-resistant epilepsy regardless of the specific diagnosis.

The numbers in context

Median seizures dropped from 30 to 8 per month (P=0.000); 46% achieved >50% seizure reduction; 5% near seizure-free; significant reductions in all 5 diagnostic categories

How the study worked

Retrospective chart review of patients with refractory epilepsy receiving CBD as adjunctive treatment at two tertiary care centers. Seizure frequency compared at CBD treatment start and at minimum 3 months follow-up. Epilepsy categorized into five diagnostic groups.

What this study cannot tell us

Retrospective design without a control group or blinding. Seizure frequency based on caregiver reporting, which can be imprecise. No standardized CBD dosing or product formulation across patients. Minimum 3-month follow-up may not capture long-term outcomes or tolerance.

How to read the evidence

Multicenter design with significant results across diagnostic categories is strengthened by consistency, but retrospective uncontrolled design and reliance on caregiver-reported seizure counts limit confidence.

When this study was published

2025 publication

The bigger picture

Drug-resistant epilepsy affects roughly one-third of people with epilepsy, and treatment options are limited. Extending CBD's demonstrated benefit beyond its currently approved indications could help a much larger patient population.

Questions still open

Would prospective controlled trials confirm these broad benefits across epilepsy types? Does the seizure reduction observed sustain beyond 3 months, or does tolerance develop?

Common questions

Which types of epilepsy responded to CBD?

All five diagnostic categories showed significant seizure reductions: focal/multifocal epilepsy, primary generalized epilepsy, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, Dravet syndrome, and other developmental and epileptic encephalopathies.

How many patients became seizure-free?

Five percent achieved near seizure freedom, while an additional 20% experienced 76-99% seizure reduction. Nearly half (46%) had greater than 50% reduction overall.

Read the original research

Adjunctive use of cannabidiol in pediatric drug-resistant epilepsy: A retrospective multicenter analysis.

Epilepsy & behavior : E&B, 169, 110426

View on PubMed ↗Publisher’s paper ↗

Citation

Aizara, Ermekbaeva; Robin, T Varughese; Hanna, Li; Amy, Urbina Lopez; Brooke, Milosh; Rebecca, Philip; Christian, Suri; Yash, Shah; Sanjeev, Kothare. (2025). Adjunctive use of cannabidiol in pediatric drug-resistant epilepsy: A retrospective multicenter analysis.. Epilepsy & behavior : E&B, 169, 110426. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yebeh.2025.110426