What is Epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a neurological condition where the brain sends sudden bursts of abnormal electrical activity. These signals can interrupt normal brain function and cause seizures. Seizures can look very different from person to person; they may involve involuntary movements, changes in awareness, confusion, or temporary loss of consciousness.
A diagnosis is usually made by a neurologist (a doctor specialising in the brain and nervous system). They may review medical history, family history, and possible triggers, and can use tests such as electroencephalogram (EEG) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans to help identify the cause and type of seizures.
Medical Cannabis and Epilepsy: The Facts
80
people are diagnosed with epilepsy every day in the United Kingdom [1]
1 in 3
people with epilepsy have treatment-resistant epilepsy, meaning seizures continue despite trying at least two anti-seizure medicines [2]
What Causes Epilepsy?
Epilepsy can have many different causes, and in some people no clear cause is ever found. For others, epilepsy may be linked to changes in the structure or function of the brain, or to genetic factors that affect how brain cells communicate.
Some common factors that can contribute to epilepsy include:
Genetics
Research suggests that genetics may play a role in some types of epilepsy. Around one in three people with epilepsy have a family history of the condition.
Changes or Damage to the Brain
Epilepsy can develop when an area of the brain is damaged or scarred. This may be due to:
- Stroke
- Brain tumour
- Serious head injury
- Infection affecting the brain, such as meningitis or encephalitis
- Complications at birth, such as lack of oxygen
Long-term heavy alcohol use, or withdrawal from alcohol or certain drugs, may also increase the risk of seizures in some individuals.
Epilepsy Syndromes
Some people are diagnosed with specific epilepsy syndromes, which often begin in childhood and have characteristic seizure patterns. Examples include:
- Infantile spasms (West syndrome)
- Doose syndrome (myoclonic astatic epilepsy)
- Benign rolandic epilepsy
- Rasmussen syndrome
- Lennox-Gastaut syndrome
- Electrical status epilepticus during sleep
- Dravet syndrome
- GLUT1 deficiency syndrome
- Sturge–Weber syndrome
What are the Symptoms of Epilepsy?
The main symptom of epilepsy is recurrent (repeated) seizures.
Seizures can look very different from person to person, depending on which area of the brain is involved. Some seizures cause obvious physical symptoms, while others may be more subtle. Possible seizure symptoms can include:
- Sudden stiffness in the body or limbs
- Jerking or uncontrollable movements
- Staring or being unresponsive for a short period of time
- Confusion or disorientation after the seizure
- Loss of awareness or loss of consciousness
Not every seizure requires emergency treatment. However, emergency medical help is recommended if:
- a seizure lasts five minutes or longer, or
- a person has multiple seizures in a row without regaining consciousness, or
- the person is injured, pregnant, or having difficulty breathing, or
- it is their first seizure.
This information is based on guidance from the NHS and epilepsy charities and is not a substitute for medical advice. If you are unsure, seek medical help.
How does Epilepsy Affect People?
Epilepsy can affect people in different ways, depending on the type and frequency of their seizures. For some, seizures are well controlled with treatment, while others may continue to experience seizures despite trying different medicines.
The unpredictable nature of seizures can make planning daily activities more challenging and may contribute to feelings of stress or anxiety.
People with epilepsy may adjust certain parts of their daily routine – for example at work, when travelling or during social activities – to feel more prepared and comfortable in case a seizure occurs.
Support from healthcare professionals, employers, friends and family can play an important role in helping individuals maintain independence and quality of life.
Treatment Options for Epilepsy
There are several approaches to managing epilepsy. The most common is anti-epileptic medication, which aims to reduce how often seizures occur.
Some people find it helpful to track their seizures and note what was happening before, during, and after each episode. This can help identify potential triggers.
For a small number of people, surgery may be considered – usually when seizures consistently originate from one specific area of the brain. However, surgery is not suitable for everyone, including many people with treatment-resistant epilepsy.
If surgery isn’t appropriate, other options may be explored. These include neurostimulation devices, which send electrical signals to help regulate seizure activity.
In some situations, a ketogenic diet may be successful, particularly when epilepsy is related to certain metabolic conditions. However, some find the diet challenging to maintain.
In cases where traditional treatments have not been effective, a specialist doctor may consider medical cannabis as an option.
Medical Cannabis for Epilepsy
Medical cannabis may be considered for some patients with epilepsy when standard treatments such as anti-epileptic medications or surgery have not been effective.
Epilepsy played a significant role in the public and clinical discussion that led to the legalisation of medical cannabis in the UK in 2018. Several high-profile cases involving children with severe, treatment-resistant epilepsy had their medications withdrawn when entering the country, leading to a worsening of seizures. These cases received wide media and public attention, highlighting the limited treatment options available in the UK at the time.
Following an independent clinical review, the government recognised that medical cannabis may have medical value in certain circumstances. As a result, the law changed in November 2018 to allow specialist doctors to initiate medical cannabis where clinically appropriate.
Research on Medical Cannabis and Epilepsy
January 2023 Breakthrough: NHS to Offer Medical Cannabis to Treat Tuberous Sclerosis Complex
Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a rare genetic disorder which causes the development of benign tumours. The most common symptom of the condition is epilepsy, affecting 90% of those with tuberous sclerosis complex. The condition can severely affect the quality of life of sufferers and those who care for them alike.
In January 2023, it was confirmed that the NHS can prescribe a cannabidiol (CBD) isolate medicine called Epidyolex® for eligible patients with TSC. According to NHS England, clinical trials showed that when used alongside standard anti-seizure treatments, Epidyolex® reduced seizure frequency by almost one-third (30%) and increased seizure-free days compared with placebo [3].
This decision applies specifically to TSC, but it reflects a wider recognition that medical cannabis can have a role in supporting patients with seizures, when other treatments haven’t worked.
May 2025: Medical Cannabis for Epilepsy: Insights from the UK Medical Cannabis Registry
Recent research from the UK Medical Cannabis Registry assessed how patients with epilepsy responded to medical cannabis [4]. Changes to quality of life, sleep quality and anxiety were reported for patients after one, three and six months.
This research also found that the majority (96.27%) of patients did not report any adverse effects. Of those who did, the most common were confusion, tiredness and headache.
These patient-reported outcomes support growing clinical evidence relating to the use of medical cannabis for epilepsy.
Can I be Prescribed Medical Cannabis for Epilepsy?
Medical cannabis is not suitable for everyone with epilepsy. It may only be considered when standard treatments and therapies have not been effective.
At Curaleaf Clinic, you can start with a short eligibility assessment. A specialist will review your summary of care record and let you know if you are able to progress to an appointment.
If you are eligible, you will meet with a consultant neurologist. They will review your medical history, discuss your treatment goals, and determine whether medical cannabis is an appropriate option for you.