CANNABINOIDES USE IN THE CONTROL OF CONVULSIVE CRISIS IN ASTROCYTOMA AFTER NEUROSURGERY: CASE REPORT

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Astrocytomas are low-grade tumors that are refractory to drug treatment to control seizures. CASE REPORT: G.M.S, a 29-year-old man, started to suffer from depression and frequent episodes of non-rotating dizziness associated with moderate-intensity holocranial headache, with significant worsening through emotional shock. He evolved with a left facial hemiparesis. He presented with sudden fainting, decreased level of consciousness and mydriatic pupils, needing to be intubated. Cranial CT showed formation of a cystic and loculate aspect in frontotemporal right region. The neurosurgery evaluation determined the drainage and excision of the lesion, and pathological diagnosis of Grade II Diffuse Astrocytoma was confirmed. During hospitalization, the patient evolved with ischemic stroke and visual deficit in associated cortical topography. After hospital discharge, he presented episodes of generalized tonic-clonic seizures and significant cognitive impairment. He used anticonvulsants, since in-hospital, without fully mitigating crises. Due to the absence of full control, a therapeutic test was performed with CBD/THC 1:1 oil, leading to improved control of seizures. DISCUSSION: In line with findings from randomized clinical trials in the literature, it was observed that the patient in the present study showed a reduction in the frequency of seizures with the use of oil. Recent phase II clinical trials have shown positive results regarding the survival of patients with GBM after treatment with cannabinoids. CONCLUSION: Cannabinoids has resulted in a significant improvement in seizures, in addition to possible positive effects on the cognitive and social interaction of a patient with astrocytoma in a state of recovery after neurosurgery.