Epilepsy

Medical Marijuana For Epilepsy

With over 3.4 million Americans suffering from epilepsy, some people's symptoms can go away while other's may stick around for years. Either way, did you know medical marijuana has the chance to help reduce the number of seizures you may have? At Cross Valley Health & Medicine, Doctor Paul Saladino and Christian Plaza, FNP have seen many cases of patients with epilepsy. With their experience in managing these cases, they may be able to certify you for the New York State Medical Marijuana Program. Both practitioners are based out of Newburgh NY, but can see you either in-person or virtually through telemedicine by clicking the button below to get started on your paperwork today.*

Get Your NY Medical Marijuana Card Today >
medical marijuana for epilepsy

What is epilepsy?

The Epilepsy Foundation defined epilepsy as "a chronic disorder, the hallmark of which is recurrent, unprovoked seizures. A seizure is a sudden and uncontrolled electrical disturbance in the brain. For seizures to be considered epileptic, practitioners usually diagnose patients that have two or more seizures that could not be linked to a specific medical condition. 

What is the typical treatment for my epilepsy?

Most treatment plans designed for those who suffer from epilepsy either have fewer seizures or stop having seizures completely. These treatment plans can include medications, surgery  or  behavioral changes. 

Practitioners may prescribe anti-epileptic drugs  (AEDs) which are drugs that control seizures. AEDs change the chemical level in your brain in an effort to stop seizures from happening.

Surgery, for those advanced cases, involve part of your brain (that are being affected by seizures) being surgically removed. Another procedure is the surgical placement of a vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) which is a small electrical device like a pacemaker. The VNS is surgically placed under your chest skin that sends off small bursts of electricity to control brain signals. 

Patients may be recommended to change their lifestyle in order to prevent a seizure from happening. Changes to sleep patterns, social  interactions and even diet could all be factors into why seizures are happening so frequently. 

How can medical marijuana help treat epilepsy?

Medical marijuana takes the marijuana plant's chemicals and then the plant is grown and cultivated specifically to treat a variety of medical conditions. WebMD explained that "the marijuana plant contains more than 100 different chemicals called cannabinoids. Each one has a different effect on the body. Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are the main chemicals used in medicine. THC also produces the same "high" people feel when they smoke marijuana or eat foods containing it." Medical marijuana comes in many different forms such as dried leaves, edibles, oils, sprays, and creams.
 
Some clinical studies show early evidence that supports the claim using medical marijuana can help control seizures. For those who have exhausted all  other treatment options, medical marijuana has the potential to relieve some seizures and the frequency of them. 
 

Who is Cross Valley Health & Medicine?

Cross Valley Health & Medicine is a primary care practice located in Newburgh NY, allowing for both virtual and in-person appointments. The practice has two medical providers on staff, Doctor Paul Saladino who is dual board-certified in Addiction Medicine and Internal Medicine and a Christian Plaza, who is a family nurse practitioner. Both practitioners are eager to see new patients for the following programs: Substance Abuse Treatment, Behavioral Health Management, HIV/AIDS Care Management, Primary Care, Medical Marijuana Certifications, Medication-Assisted Treatment, STD/STI Care Management, and Weight Loss Management. If you are interested in becoming a patient of Cross Valley, please click here to access our online paperwork portal. Visit us online at www.crossvalleyhealth.com or give our office a call at 845-561-7075.

Get Your NY Medical Marijuana Card Today >

 

*Any information listed on this page is provided for medical educational purposes only, and shall not be taken as medical advice provided by Cross Valley Health & Medicine. Any medications listed on this page are also provided for medical educational purposes only, and the use of any of these mentioned medications should stem from consulting with your provider.