Magnesium and Seizures

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mjh

> Subject: [Williss] Magnesium and Seizures:

>

> www.danalaake.com/newsletter.asp?article=6------------------------------

>

> 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 are “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

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