Krabbe disease, a rare genetic ailment that affects the nervous system, is a terrible condition with few treatment options available. As families seek ways to improve the quality of life for Krabbe disease patients, CBD oil has emerged as a promising supplemental medicine. This article examines the possible benefits of CBD oil for Krabbe disease treatment, focussing on scientific data and personal experience. By the end of this article, one will get a comprehensive picture of whether it is worth it to consider pure CBD oil or not
What exactly is this Krabbe disease and what happens in this medical problem?
Krabbe disease (pronounced “KRAH-buh”) is an uncommon, genetic neurological illness. Sometimes, it is called globoid cell leukodystrophy which is a progressive neurological ailment caused by a lack of the enzyme galactocerebrosidase. This enzyme is required for the breakdown of a fatty molecule called galactocerebrosid that can build in the brain and spinal cord if not properly broken down. As the fatty substance accumulates, it destroys the myelin sheath, the protective covering that surrounds nerve cells, allowing nerve signals to be transmitted quickly. Demyelination destroys brain cells, causing gradual neurological disorders such as intellectual impairment, paralysis, and deafness. This injury causes a range of neurological symptoms, including:
- Delayed development
- Muscle weakness.
- Seizures
- Vision loss.
- Hearing loss
- Decline in Cognitive skills
- Having difficulty walking and talking
Krabbe illness is deadly, and there is currently no cure. Treatment options are limited, with a focus on symptom management and halting disease progression.
Who does Krabbe disease affect?
Krabbe illness is relatively uncommon, yet its prevalence varies greatly around the world. Researchers estimate that it happens in one out of every 100,000 live births in Europe and one out of every 250,000 in the United States. In a few isolated Israeli communities, the incidence has been found to be greater, at around 6 cases per 1000 inhabitants.
Approximately 90% of Krabbe disease cases develop between the ages of one and seven months. This is known as the infantile form. The late-onset variant of the illness develops after 18 months or later, including adolescence and adulthood. One thing to understand is that Krabbe disease is a hereditary ailment, which means that it is passed down from biological parents to their children through their DNA.
Signs and symptoms of infantile Krabbe illness.
The infantile type of Krabbe disease exhibits three broad stages of symptoms, which include:
Stage 1: An infant with Krabbe disease grows and develops normally until 4 to 6 months of age, when symptoms appear. They include:
- Restlessness
- Irritability
- Vomiting
- Feeding problem
- Failed to thrive
- Fever episodes with no signs of illness
- Muscular weakness
An infant with Krabbe illness may be hypersensitive to touch, noise, or strong light, causing tonic spasms in the presence of these stimuli.
Stage 2 symptoms include the following:
- Vision changes
- Optical atrophy
- Abnormal posture is caused by spastic contraction of the muscles in the neck, trunk, and lower limbs, resulting in extreme backward arching from neck to heel (opisthotonic posturing).
- Seizure-like episodes
- Slower mental and physical development
- Regression of previously achieved developmental milestones
 Stage Three: Symptoms of stage three are:
- Blindness
- Deafness
- Abnormal bodily position with arms and legs straight out, toes pointed downward, and head and neck arched backward (decerebrate posturing)
- Reduced mobility
Symptoms of late-onset Krabbe disease
Late infantile Krabbe disease starts between the ages of 13 and 36 months. The symptoms, listed in a progressive sequence, are:
- Irritability
- Vision changes
- Abnormal gait (walking)
- Seizures
- Periods of no breathing (apneic episodes).
- Insatiable body temperature
- Average age at death is six years
The signs of juvenile-onset Krabbe disease are:
- Vision changes
- Tremors
- Gait anomalies
- Impaired voluntary movement control and increasing muscular rigidity.
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
This kind of Krabbe disease progresses at a variable rate, but ultimately inevitably leads to death within 10 years after diagnosis.
Late-onset Krabbe disease symptoms include:
- Burning in the arms and legs
- Mood and behaviour change
- Ataxia
- Spasticity
- Visual changes and blindness
- Seizures
- Hearing loss and deafness
The majority of people with late-onset Krabbe disease experience mental and physical decline.
How does CBD fit in here?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a nonpsychoactive chemical present in cannabis plants. CBD, unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the chemical responsible for the “high” associated with marijuana, does not cause euphoria. Instead, CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which is a network of receptors that regulates a variety of physiological activities such as pain, mood, and seizure activity.
CBD with Krabbe Disease: Potential Benefits
While additional research is needed to completely understand the processes underlying CBD’s potential benefits for Krabbe illness, some studies have indicated that CBD may provide relief to certain people. Here are some of the ways CBD could help treat Krabbe disease symptoms:
Neuroprotective Effects: CBD has been demonstrated to have neuroprotective properties, which may aid in protecting nerve cells from harm. This could be especially beneficial for people suffering from Krabbe disease as this disease is known to be characterized by progressive damage to the nervous system.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Inflammation is thought to contribute to the development and progression of Krabbe’s illness. CBD has anti-inflammatory effects, which may help reduce inflammation and halt disease development.
Improved Quality of Life: By treating symptoms such as pain, seizures, and muscle weakness, CBD may help people with Krabbe disease live a better life overall.
Research Supporting CBD for Krabbe disease
While research on CBD and Krabbe illness is scarce, there is some evidence that CBD may be beneficial. A small study published in the journal Frontiers in Pharmacology discovered that CBD may have neuroprotective benefits in a mouse model of Krabbe illness.
Furthermore, there is mounting evidence that CBD may be beneficial in treating other neurological illnesses, such as multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer’s disease. This shows that CBD may have therapeutic effects for Krabbe’s illness.
How to Use CBD Oil to Treat Krabbe Disease
CBD oil is available in a variety of forms, including CBD oil, pills, and topical lotions. The best manner to use CBD oil and dosage will vary according to the individual’s needs and preferences. It is critical to begin with a low dose and raise it gradually as needed.
When selecting a CBD product, search for high-quality products made from organic hemp that do not contain any additions or impurities. It is also essential to contact with a healthcare practitioner before beginning CBD treatment, especially if you are currently using any other drugs.
Personal experiences with CBD for Krabbe disease.
Many Krabbe disease patients and their families have recounted their experiences using CBD oil to alleviate symptoms. Some have found relief from pain, seizures, and muscle weakness, while others have reported an overall improvement in quality of life. However, individual experiences may differ. What works for one person may not work for another, and it may take some time to determine the best dosage and administration route.
So we are saying,
While additional research is needed to completely understand the benefits of CBD for Krabbe disease, present evidence suggests that CBD may provide hope for people suffering from this rare and painful ailment. CBD may help people with Krabbe illness live better lives by perhaps protecting nerve cells and lowering inflammation.
If you want to try cbd oil online for Krabbe’s illness, you should book an online medical consultation with Hempstrol and their staff can help you select a high-quality product. CBD, with proper selection and application, may provide a natural and effective solution to address the challenges associated with this severe condition.