Cannabinoids for drug-resistant seizures in a critically ill patient-Case report and literature review

J Clin Pharm Ther. 2020 Jun;45(3):570-572. doi: 10.1111/jcpt.13082. Epub 2019 Nov 26.

Abstract

What is known and objective: Drug-resistant seizures are life-threatening and contribute to sustained hospitalization. We present the case of a critically ill 28-year-old male with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome who had approximately 30 seizures/day in the intensive care unit.

Case description: Patient required mechanical ventilation and pharmacologically induced thiopentone coma. He was commenced on cannabidiol and subsequently extubated. He remained seizure-free thereafter on a combination of cannabidiol and anti-epileptic medication that predated his critical illness.

What is new and conclusion: Our case report provides a unique perspective on the role of cannabidiol in achieving remission from drug-resistant seizures in critically ill patients.

Keywords: cannabidiol; cannabis; drug-resistant; epilepsy; neurology; seizures.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anticonvulsants / therapeutic use*
  • Cannabidiol / therapeutic use*
  • Critical Illness
  • Humans
  • Lennox Gastaut Syndrome*
  • Male
  • Seizures / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Anticonvulsants
  • Cannabidiol