Effect of Magnesium Supplementation in Children with Uncontrolled Idiopathic Epilepsy

Abstract

Epilepsy is one of the most prevalent neurological conditions and it knows no age, racial, social class, geographic, or national boundaries. The magnesium has important role in many cellular functions as Over 300 enzyme systems are dependent on the presence of Mg. Aim:Study the effect of Magnesium as add on therapy on clinical seizure control in uncontrolled idiopathic epilepsy, effect of Magnesium therapy on cognition and effect Magnesium on electrographic control. Subjects:This is a clinical trial study which was conducted on 40 children aged less than 15 years. 40 children were suffering from uncontrolled idiopathic epilepsy and following up in pediatric neurology clinic, Ain shams university they were 20 males and 20 females. Results:In the current study there were no statistically significant difference between the epileptic patients and control group regarding age, sex distribution, social class and anthropometric measurements. Conclusion:Magnesium supplementation as add on therapy in children with uncontrolled idiopathic epilepsy was able to reduce the seizures frequency in those patients. Moreover both serum Mg level and verbal IQ level in epileptic patients were positively correlated, while the serum Mg level found to be negatively correlated to Chalfont score. Recommendations:Regular assessment of cognitive function in children with epilepsy. Magnesium supplementation for children with uncontrolled idiopathic epilepsy with consideration of it's possible side effects and contraindications. Keywords:Epilepsy, Magnesium,anthropometric, idiopathic.