November: A Month of Remembrance and Awareness
In November, as we acknowledge Epilepsy Awareness Month, Bluegrass Hemp Oil takes a moment to share the impactful story of Colten Polyniak. Colten’s journey, which saw him transition from a normal childhood to experiencing hundreds of various types of seizures each week, highlights the profound challenges faced by those with epilepsy. Through our experiences with our Genesis Blend Hemp Extract, we’ve witnessed the potential of CBD oil in providing relief and hope to those grappling with medical adversities like epilepsy. Our commitment is not just to product excellence, but also to spreading awareness and understanding of epilepsy’s complexities and the potential benefits of natural remedies.
Personal Journey with CBD Oil: Discover the inspiring story behind the founders’ exploration of CBD oil for epilepsy treatment.
What is CBD and How Does it Work for Epilepsy?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound found in hemp plants. It interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a crucial role in regulating physiological functions. This interaction, particularly in the realm of epilepsy, has shown potential in reducing seizures, offering a neuroprotective shield and anti-inflammatory benefits.
The Benefits of Using CBD for Epilepsy
For individuals like Colten, CBD has been a transformative element. His experience with our Genesis Blend Hemp Extract highlights CBD’s potential in controlling seizures and improving quality of life. The anecdotal evidence, backed by growing scientific research, points towards CBD’s efficacy in managing epilepsy-related symptoms. Benefits of Full Spectrum CBD Oil: Learn about the transformative health benefits of full-spectrum CBD oil.
How to Use CBD for Epilepsy
For those considering CBD, we recommend our premium Genesis Blend. A common starting dosage is 1 ml twice daily after meals. However, it’s essential to consult with a physician, especially if you’re already on medication for epilepsy.
The Different Types of CBD Products Available
Our range extends beyond the Genesis Blend at Bluegrass Hemp Oil. We offer various forms of CBD to suit different preferences and needs. Each product is designed with the highest quality standards to ensure safety and efficacy. From CBD Gummies, CBD Softgels, CBD capsules as well as creams and salves. All of them are made with full spectrum extract.
The Risks and Side Effects of Using CBD for Epilepsy
While CBD is generally well-tolerated, it’s important to be aware of potential side effects and interactions with other medications. Consulting with healthcare professionals ensures a safe and informed approach to using CBD for epilepsy.
The Science Behind CBD and Epilepsy
Delving into the science, CBD’s interaction with the endocannabinoid system offers insights into its potential as an anticonvulsant. Its neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties further contribute to its efficacy.
Generalized Tonic-Clonic Seizures:
Generalized tonic-clonic seizures, commonly associated with epilepsy, are characterized by two phases: the tonic phase of muscle stiffening and the clonic phase of jerking movements. They can disrupt daily life and affect the entire brain. Treatment often includes medication, but CBD oil is emerging as a promising alternative due to its potential to reduce seizures without intoxication. These seizures can be caused by abnormal brain electrical activity, with various triggers including genetic factors and head injuries. Diagnosis involves EEG and possibly imaging tests. Managing these seizures involves routine safety measures, lifestyle changes, and possibly incorporating CBD oil
Myoclonic Seizures:
Myoclonic seizures are brief, involuntary muscle jerks, constituting 5-10% of all epileptic seizures. They can be triggered by neurological disorders, medications, or head injuries. Symptoms include sudden muscle twitches, which can be disruptive to daily activities. Diagnosis involves medical history, physical examination, EEG, and other tests. Treatment includes medication, lifestyle changes like regular sleep and stress management, and sometimes surgery. Living with myoclonic seizures requires a routine focused on self-care and minimizing triggers, and support groups can provide emotional support and valuable information
Focal Seizures:
The guide on focal seizures covers various aspects of understanding and managing these seizures, which are characterized by abnormal electrical activity in a specific brain area, affecting only one part of the brain. Focal seizures are classified into types such as simple and complex, each presenting distinct symptoms like localized twitching, sensory changes, and altered consciousness. Causes can include head injuries, infections, genetic factors, and certain medical conditions. Treatment typically involves medication and lifestyle modifications, with surgery as an option in some cases. The guide also addresses focal seizures in dogs and cats, offering insights into signs, diagnoses, and treatments specific to these animals. Additionally, it explores variations across age groups, detailing how focal seizures manifest and impact infants, children, and adults differently, and highlights the importance of early diagnosis and personalized treatment plans. Guide to Focal Seizures: Comprehensive guide on understanding and managing focal seizures.
Simple Partial Seizures
Simple partial seizures involve abnormal neural activity in one area of the brain. Patients remain conscious during these episodes, which can manifest as involuntary movements, sensory changes, or psychological symptoms. Understanding their causes, symptoms, and triggers, such as genetic factors or environmental triggers, is crucial for managing them effectively. Treatment often includes anticonvulsant medications and lifestyle adjustments. Additionally, cannabidiol (CBD) is explored as a potential alternative therapy.
Understanding Absence Seizures
Absence seizures are brief, characterized by lapses of consciousness and often mistaken for daydreaming. They can significantly impact daily life and are more common in children. Triggers may include stress, sleep deprivation, or flashing lights, and they’re often genetic. Treatment usually involves medication, but the Genesis Blend CBD oil is suggested as a natural remedy. Early diagnosis and proper treatment are vital for managing this condition and minimizing its impact on learning, work, and daily activities.
Atonic Seizures
Atonic seizures, characterized by a sudden loss of muscle tone leading to falls, can be debilitating. They are linked to the endocannabinoid system (ECS), with CBD being explored as a potential treatment. Understanding their causes, symptoms, and the role of stress is essential. Treatment may include medications, the ketogenic diet, or vagus nerve stimulation. Managing these seizures involves ensuring safety during episodes and understanding their impact on daily life and relationships. Atonic seizures can also occur in dogs, with similar but distinct presentations and treatments. The genetic component of these seizures is also discussed.
How to Choose the Right CBD Product for Epilepsy
Selecting the right product involves understanding the various forms of CBD, from full-spectrum to isolates. Our educational hub provides detailed information to help you make an informed decision.
Full-Spectrum CBD:
This contains a wide range of cannabinoids and terpenoids, which work together to create the entourage effect. The entourage effect suggests that these compounds work more effectively together than alone. Full-spectrum CBD, being fat-soluble, is well-suited for ketogenic diets, which are high in fats and beneficial for the brain. This type of CBD maintains the complexity of its source plant, potentially enhancing its therapeutic properties.
Isolated/Crystallized CBD:
In contrast, isolated CBD is a single-molecule compound typically derived from biomass–fiber hemp that’s hammer-milled and ground for CO2 extraction, then converted into crystalline form. While advertised as water-soluble, cannabinoids are inherently fat-soluble. The isolation process can strip away many compounds found in the hemp plant, possibly reducing the effectiveness compared to full-spectrum CBD.
When selecting a CBD product for epilepsy, consider the potential benefits of the entourage effect from full-spectrum CBD, especially if you are following a ketogenic diet. It’s essential to consult with healthcare professionals familiar with CBD use in epilepsy to ensure safety and efficacy.
How to Dose CBD for Epilepsy
Determining the right dosage of CBD is crucial for effectiveness. Our guidelines offer a starting point, but individual needs may vary, underscoring the importance of personalized consultation. We suggest that users of our Genesis Blend Full Spectrum CBD oil start with a serving in the moring and also a serving in the evening. CBD is active for 12 hours in the body so these morning and night dosages are important.
CBD and Epilepsy: What the Research Says
Research into CBD’s potential for managing epilepsy has shown encouraging results, but it’s important to approach this with caution and informed decision-making.
Combining CBD with Antiepileptic Drugs (AEDs): It’s often advised not to mix CBD with AEDs without proper medical guidance. If considering CBD, consult with the prescribing doctor about safely tapering off medications while introducing CBD, typically about an hour before taking the AEDs.
Considering Full-Spectrum CBD Before Surgery: Before opting for invasive surgery, trying full-spectrum CBD might be a worthwhile step due to its safety profile and reported success in some epilepsy cases. However, some medical professionals may suggest surgery before exploring CBD options. Patients are encouraged to discuss all possible treatments, including CBD, and weigh the risks and benefits with their healthcare provider.
Current Research and Safe Practices: Staying informed about the latest research is crucial. While CBD shows promise, each case of epilepsy is unique, and treatment should be tailored to the individual’s needs. The option that creates the least amount of harm and has the greater chance of hope is the best one to go with. CBD should be the first option in treatment as it is the safest and does the least harm. Consulting healthcare professionals familiar with CBD use in epilepsy is essential for safe and effective treatment planning.
CBD and Epilepsy: Patient Stories
Stories like Colten’s are at the heart of our mission. These narratives provide real-life insights into the potential benefits of CBD for epilepsy, offering hope and encouragement to others.
CBD oil, including products like those offered by Bluegrass Hemp Oil, has shown effectiveness in managing seizures in horses and dogs. The full-spectrum CBD oil designed for horses, demonstrated in the case of Picasso, a horse with frequent seizures, showed significant improvement after using the product. This suggests that CBD’s interaction with the endocannabinoid system in animals can be beneficial in controlling seizures. Similarly, there’s growing evidence that CBD oil can also be effective for dogs experiencing seizures, providing a natural alternative or complement to traditional seizure medications. Always consult a veterinarian before starting CBD treatment for any pet, especially those with health conditions like seizures
About Kentucky Cannabis Company: Dive into the history and mission of Kentucky Cannabis Company, a pioneer in hemp cultivation and CBD production.
November: The Epilogue
As we observe National Epilepsy Awareness Month, we’re reminded of the importance of education and sharing experiences. Colten’s story as well as the thousands of other people who have now experienced an increase in the quality of life is a testament to the potential of CBD in managing epilepsy, inspiring us to continue exploring the possibilities.
Extend Your Curiosity
Your journey into understanding CBD doesn’t stop here. Explore the dynamics between CBD and THC, the role of CBN, and the nuances of CBD dosage for relaxation in our educational resources. Discover the differences between Epidiolex and our Genesis Blend, and the benefits of full-spectrum CBD versus isolates.