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Does Marijauna Cause Epileptic Attacks?

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Posted on Wed, 19 Feb 2014
Question: I am a patient of epilepsy. Though my condition has been under control of late. I have had only 3 episodes in the last 2 years. And in the last two episodes I was under the influence of Marijuana. Does Marijauna cause epileptic attacks? Because my Valproic acid level is normal. Am I am under Sodium Valporate tablets since last 10 years.
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Answered by Dr. Dr. Prasad J (19 hours later)
Brief Answer: Marijauna unlikely the cause... Detailed Answer: Hi, I see you have posted this question to a neurologist. I am a physician associated with Department of Neurology for more than 3 years and worked with many epilepsy patients. Since your query has been unattended for sometime now, I shall take this opportunity to answer it. Well, there are no robust clinical studies that proves cannabis (active ingredient of marijuana as a cause of seizure. Therefore I do not think cannabis was a reason directly. Further if valproate level was well under therapeutic index, that should have prevented convulsion what ever may have been the precursor. If the last episode was a recent one, I feel your neurologist should consider using a second anticonvulsant after performing an EEG. Hope this helps. Let me know if you need clarifications. Regards
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Dr. Dr. Prasad J

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2005

Answered : 3707 Questions

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Does Marijauna Cause Epileptic Attacks?

Brief Answer: Marijauna unlikely the cause... Detailed Answer: Hi, I see you have posted this question to a neurologist. I am a physician associated with Department of Neurology for more than 3 years and worked with many epilepsy patients. Since your query has been unattended for sometime now, I shall take this opportunity to answer it. Well, there are no robust clinical studies that proves cannabis (active ingredient of marijuana as a cause of seizure. Therefore I do not think cannabis was a reason directly. Further if valproate level was well under therapeutic index, that should have prevented convulsion what ever may have been the precursor. If the last episode was a recent one, I feel your neurologist should consider using a second anticonvulsant after performing an EEG. Hope this helps. Let me know if you need clarifications. Regards