Among 50 children with drug-resistant epilepsy who took CBD for at least six months, 56% achieved meaningful seizure reduction and 16% became seizure-free.
Pediatric neurologists, families of children with epilepsy, medical cannabis researchers
What the researchers found
In a retrospective review of 50 children with drug-resistant epilepsy (mostly Lennox-Gastaut syndrome), CBD as add-on therapy produced complete seizure response (>90% reduction) in 10 children, partial response (30-90% reduction) in 18, and no response in 14. Eight children became entirely seizure-free. Adverse effects occurred in 44% but none required hospitalization. Eight children discontinued treatment.
Why it matters
Drug-resistant epilepsy leaves families with few options. This real-world data from a clinical setting supports the growing evidence that CBD can meaningfully reduce seizures in children who have not responded to standard treatments.
The numbers in context
50 children; mean age 7.8 years; complete response in 10 (20%), partial in 18 (36%), no response in 14 (28%); 8 (16%) seizure-free; adverse effects in 22 (44%); 8 discontinued (4 for lack of efficacy, 3 for adverse effects, 1 for seizure worsening)
How the study worked
Retrospective chart review of children with drug-resistant epilepsy who received CBD for at least six months at a single center. Assessed seizure frequency reduction, parent-reported adverse effects, and discontinuation rates. Epilepsy types included Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (n=32), Dravet syndrome (n=4), and tuberous sclerosis complex (n=2).
What this study cannot tell us
Retrospective design without a control group. Single center. Parent-reported outcomes subject to recall bias. No standardized dosing protocol described. Heterogeneous epilepsy types grouped together.
How to read the evidence
Moderate: retrospective cohort at a single center with meaningful follow-up period, but no control group.
When this study was published
2025 publication
The bigger picture
CBD (as Epidiolex) is already FDA-approved for certain seizure disorders. Studies like this one extend the evidence base to broader clinical practice, showing consistent results outside of controlled trial settings.
Questions still open
- Which seizure types respond best to CBD add-on therapy?
- Could optimized dosing improve the 28% non-response rate?
Read the original research
Cannabidiol in Drug-Resistant Epilepsy (DRE) in Children: A Retrospective Study.
Indian pediatrics, 62(7), 501-505
Citation
Gowda, Vykuntaraju K; Simin, Halima; Kinhal, Uddhava V; Basavaraja, G V; Sanjay, K S. (2025). Cannabidiol in Drug-Resistant Epilepsy (DRE) in Children: A Retrospective Study.. Indian pediatrics, 62(7), 501-505. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13312-025-00075-9
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