Continuous spike-wave of slow sleep in a patient with KCNB1-related epilepsy responsive to highly purified cannabidiol: a case report and comparison with literature

Neurocase. 2024 Apr;30(2):68-72. doi: 10.1080/13554794.2024.2354952. Epub 2024 May 20.

Abstract

KCNB1-associated encephalopathy is characterized by intellectual disability (ID), autism spectrum disorder and epilepsy. Specific treatments are still lacking. We describe a 12-year-old boy with severe ID and treatment-resistant seizures due to a pathogenic KCNB1 variant. His EEG showed a CSWS pattern. Aged 11, he started treatment with highly purified cannabidiol (CBD) and has been seizure free for 18 months, with significant EEG and social skills improvements. This suggests CBD may benefit CSWS, likely due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Some preclinical studies also indicate CBDs interact with voltage-gated channels, leading us to speculate its possible role for treating KCNB1 related encephalopathy.

Keywords: CSWS; Epilepsy; KCNB1; behavior; cannabidiol.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cannabidiol* / pharmacology
  • Child
  • Electroencephalography*
  • Epilepsy / drug therapy
  • Epilepsy / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Intellectual Disability / complications
  • Intellectual Disability / drug therapy
  • Male
  • Shab Potassium Channels / genetics

Substances

  • Cannabidiol
  • KCNB1 protein, human
  • Shab Potassium Channels