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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.