Study Examines Marijuana-Based Therapies’ Effectiveness in Reducing Seizure Frequency in Patients with Epilepsy

Neurologists find no advantage in trying alternative formulations if first formulation is not effective

Inadequate seizure control is still common in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy. Given the side effects of traditional anti-seizure medications, there is growing interest in marijuana-based therapy (MBT) to help treat epilepsy.

Researchers at Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital conducted a retrospective study to determine whether alternative formulations of MBT might prove more effective at reducing seizure activity in pediatric epilepsy patients. The study found no benefit to trying multiple formations of MBT, suggesting that other treatment options should not be delayed.

Participating in the study were pediatric neurologists Eric Segal, M.D., director of Pediatric Epilepsy, Erica Braun, M.D., and Francesca M. Gualano, M.D.

“We know that MBTs have been shown to reduce seizure frequency in patients with severe and drug-resistant epilepsy, but there are no studies suggesting whether a second formulation may be more effective after a first formulation has been tried,” said Dr. Segal. “Our findings suggest that clinicians should not delay care by trying alternative MBT formulations after a patient has tried one formulation.”

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