Magnesium and Seizure Disorder
Patients being evaluated for seizure disorder should also be
evaluated for magnesium status. Not only is low magnesium a risk
factor for seizures, the mineral is an important part of therapy for
seizure disorders. Pregnant women with diagnosis of eclampsia
(which includes severe seizures) were divided into two treatment
groups: (1) magnesium sulphate and (2) an anti-seizure medication
(phentoin / Dilantin). Magnesium was more effective than the anti-
seizure medication. Infants with low levels of magnesium are most
susceptible to seizures and may also develop other problems
including apnea and rapid heart rate. A new finding indicates an
increase in head size as a symptom in magnesium deficiency. When
magnesium deficiency is the underlying issue, the seizures are
usually resistant to medication and the longer the patient is
untreated by magnesium, the more permanent the damage.
Note: One of our young patients responded dramatically to magnesium.
After one year on multiple medications, with persistence of the
seizures, this toddler was constantly sleeping due as a side-effect
of the drugs and had ceased to develop milestones as a result.
Within months of being on magnesium, she was seizure-free, walking
and beginning to talk and off all medications. Magnesium therapy
does not interfere with development, is remarkably free of side-
effects and addressed the underlying issue for this child.
Magnesium is important for over 300 different enzyme reactions, the
most important of which involves energy metabolism (known at ATP).
It is important in amino acid metabolism, glucose metabolism, DNA,
hormone regulation, cardiac muscle contraction, smooth muscle
contraction and the reaction of blood vessels. Low levels result in
the following: fatigue, nausea/vomiting, mood changes, depression,
muscle spasms, muscle trigger points, osteoporosis, headaches,
tremors, twitching, exaggerated reflexes including startle, abnormal
cardiac rhythm, palpitations, high blood pressure, constipation,
kidney stones, premenstrual syndrome, menstrual cramps, and seizures
especially in infants. The following can result in low levels of
magnesium: diarrhea, alcohol, excess caffeine, malabsorption,
malnutrition, vomiting, diuretics, and antibiotics. Routine serum
levels are not the test of choice - they are regulated by kidneys
and do not diminish until extreme late stages. Since 99% of
magnesium is inside the cells, the best tests ar“intracellular” -
such as white cells or red cell measures.

> References:
> Eur J Pediatr 2000:159(1-2):38-4.
> Indian J Med SCI 1998:52(12):541-7.
> Eur J Neurol 1999:6(6):705-709.
> Advanced Nutrition and Human Metabolism. Groff. 1995.
> Arch Dis Child 1999:81(6):505-7.
> Principles of Nutritional Assessment. Gibson
>
>

MJH
"The Basil Book"
http://foxhillfarm.us/FireBasil