The "Medicinal Cannabis: Epilepsy in Adults and Children" course provides healthcare professionals with a comprehensive understanding of cannabinoid treatments for epilepsy. It covers the science, clinical applications, and potential of medicinal cannabis through five detailed units:
Unit 1: Epilepsy and Medicinal Cannabis 101
This foundational unit explores the basics of epilepsy, including its causes, types, and prevalence. Participants learn about the potential of medicinal cannabis, focusing on its main components—CBD and THC—their pharmacological properties, modes of administration, and regulatory considerations. The unit highlights the treatment process for drug-resistant epilepsy and introduces Epidiolex, a purified CBD medication approved for specific epileptic conditions.
Unit 2: Dravet Syndrome
Dravet Syndrome, a severe form of childhood epilepsy, is discussed in detail. This unit examines its genetic underpinnings, high seizure burden, and resistance to conventional therapies. Clinical evidence from phase III trials is presented, demonstrating the efficacy of CBD in reducing seizure frequency and improving patient outcomes. The unit also addresses drug-drug interactions, particularly between CBD and clobazam, and strategies for optimising treatment.
Unit 3: Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome
This unit focuses on Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (LGS), another drug-resistant epilepsy. Participants learn about its complex etiology, seizure types, and cognitive impacts. Clinical data supporting the use of CBD for LGS, including reductions in seizure frequency and severity, are highlighted. The unit discusses dosing regimens and the benefits of polypharmacy approaches combining CBD with other antiepileptic drugs.
Unit 4: Tuberous Sclerosis Complex
Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC) is explored, with an emphasis on its genetic basis and the role of non-cancerous tumors in causing intractable epilepsy. The unit reviews clinical trial evidence supporting CBD's efficacy in reducing focal seizures and improving overall quality of life for TSC patients. Dosing strategies specific to TSC are also outlined.
Unit 5: Other Potential Applications of CBD
The final unit expands on the broader applications of CBD beyond epilepsy, including its anxiolytic, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. It delves into emerging research on next-generation cannabis-based medicines and the potential synergy of cannabinoids in full-spectrum extracts. Insights into preclinical studies and the future landscape of cannabinoid therapeutics are also provided.
This course equips healthcare professionals with the tools to evaluate, prescribe, and optimise cannabinoid treatments for epilepsy, offering a holistic and evidence-based approach to this evolving field of medicine.
4.5 hrs EA | 6.0 hrs RP | 0.0 hrs OM
