Study: CBD Shows Broad Effectiveness in Treating Severe Epilepsies

Researchers from Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore and Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Delle Marche reviewed data from 107 individuals with developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs) who were treated with CBD for at least three months between 2020 and 2024. Most patients in the study had Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (55%), Dravet syndrome (17%), or tuberous sclerosis complex (8%), while nearly 20% had other rare forms of DEEs. At a median follow-up of 20 months, 69% of patients achieved at least a 50% reduction in seizure frequency, with 21% experiencing a 75% or greater reduction. Importantly, the researchers found that patients with Lennox-Gastaut, tuberous sclerosis complex, or other DEEs generally had better outcomes than those with Dravet syndrome.

The analysis also highlighted factors influencing response. A genetic or unknown cause of epilepsy was linked to improved results, while combining CBD with valproate appeared to lower effectiveness. Use alongside clobazam did not significantly alter outcomes or safety. Beyond seizure control, many caregivers reported non-seizure benefits, including improved alertness (56%), better sleep quality (25%), and enhanced motor function (14%).

Adverse events were observed in about one-third of patients, most of which were mild and temporary. Roughly 9% discontinued treatment due to side effects.

“In conclusion, this retrospective multicenter study reaffirms CBD’s efficacy and safety in the treatment of DEE, providing valuable real-world data”, states the study. “It supports the rationale for new trials exploring the use of CBD in other DEEs beyond those for which it is currently approved. Our findings suggest that genetic DEEs —particularly TSC and LGS —may be the most promising candidates for treatment.”