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Cannabidiol in Drug-Resistant Epilepsy (DRE) in Children: A Retrospective Study

By April 22, 2025No Comments

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. 2025 Apr 22.

doi: 10.1007/s13312-025-00075-9. Online ahead of print.

Cannabidiol in Drug-Resistant Epilepsy (DRE) in Children: A Retrospective Study

Vykuntaraju K Gowda 1, Halima Simin 2, Uddhava V Kinhal 3, G V Basavaraja 2, K S Sanjay 2
Affiliations 

Abstract

Objectives: To describe the effectiveness and tolerability of cannabidiol (CBD) in children with drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE).

Methods: Records of children with DRE who received CBD for at least six months were reviewed. Reduction in seizure frequency [complete (> 90%), partial (30-90%), no response (< 30%)], parent reported adverse effects and discontinuation of CBD, if any, were noted.

Results: Records of 50 children with DRE (Lennox-Gastaut syndrome 32, Dravet syndrome 4, and Tuberous sclerosis complex 2), mean (SD) age 7.8 (4.3) years were reviewed. Complete, partial, and no response to CBD was seen in 10, 18 and 14 children; 8 became seizure-free. Eight children discontinued treatment due to lack of efficacy (n = 4), by increased adverse effects (n = 3) and aggravation of seizures (n = 1). Adverse effects were noted in 22 (44%), none required hospitalization.

Conclusion: Cannabidiol is a useful and safe add-on drug in children with DRE.

Keywords: Dravet syndrome; Lennox–Gastaut syndrome; Refractory epilepsy; Tuberous sclerosis complex.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declarations. Conflict of interest: Waiver from IEC. Ethical Approval: ECR/441/Inst/KA/2013/RR-19 dated Oct 30, 2024.

References

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Summary and Context

This retrospective study provides valuable real-world data on the use of cannabidiol (CBD) for children with drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE), particularly in syndromes like Lennox-Gastaut, Dravet, and tuberous sclerosis complex. Among the 50 pediatric cases reviewed, 56% showed a reduction in seizure frequency, with 8 children achieving seizure freedom. These findings support CBD’s potential as an adjunct therapy in managing refractory seizures, even in challenging syndromic presentations.

While nearly half of the participants experienced adverse effects, most were mild and did not require hospitalization. However, 16% discontinued treatment due to inefficacy or increased side effects. The study’s retrospective nature and relatively small sample size limit generalizability, yet it highlights the importance of monitoring both clinical outcomes and tolerability in pediatric CBD therapy. These results add to the growing body of evidence advocating for expanded access to cannabinoid-based treatments in pediatric epilepsy care, while reinforcing the need for larger, prospective studies to confirm safety and efficacy.

Cannabidiol in Drug-Resistant Epilepsy shows promise in reducing seizures in children, with mild side effects in most cases.Stay informed with the latest scientific insights, evidence-based independent research and discoveries on the ECS, cannabis medicine and more

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