CBD Reduced Seizures in 11 of 15 Children With Drug-Resistant Epilepsy

11 of 15 patients showed seizure frequency reduction: 7 were responders (over 50% reduction, including 2 seizure-free) and 4 were partial responders (30-50% reduction). 11 of 15 also showed improved social and environmental participation. CBD was used on-label in 8 patients (Dravet, Lennox-Gastaut, Tuberous Sclerosis) and off-label in 7.

Retrospective single-center study of 15 pediatric patients (7 female, 8 male, mean age 12.3 years) with drug-resistant epilepsy who received CBD as adjunctive therapy for at least 6 months. Average dose 16.5 mg/kg/day (max 21 mg/kg/day). Clinical, demographic, and imaging data extracted from records.

About 30% of pediatric epilepsy patients do not respond to conventional antiseizure medications. While CBD is approved for three specific syndromes, this real-world study suggests it may benefit a wider range of drug-resistant epilepsies, including off-label uses.

The finding that patients with cortical malformations responded well to CBD (4 of 6, including 1 seizure-free) is particularly interesting, as these structural abnormalities often predict poor response to conventional medications.

Very small sample (15 patients), retrospective design, single center, no control group, cannot separate CBD effects from placebo or natural disease course, heterogeneous epilepsy types