Magnesium as an Effective Adjunct Therapy for Drug Resistant Seizures
The Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences, 05/25/2012

Abdelmalik PA et al. – These results suggest that oral Mg supplementation may prove to be a worthwhile adjunctive medication in treating drug intractable epilepsy. The results suggest that oral Mg supplementation may prove to be a worthwhile adjunctive medication in treating drug intractable epilepsy. Conclusions: A prospective, double–blinded, placebo controlled study is warranted to evaluate the potential of Mg for the treatment of drug–resistant seizures.

• A retrospective chart review of 22 cases of drug resistant epilepsy, where a trial of empiric oral Mg supplementation (mainly in the form of Mg-oxide) was conducted.

• Oral Mg supplementation was associated with a significant decrease in the number of seizure days per month, from 15.3 ± 13.2 (mean ± SD) to 10.2 ± 12.6 at first follow up (3-6 months, p=0.021), and to 7.8 ± 10.0 seizure days/month at second follow up (6-12 months, p=0.004).
• Thirty-six percent had a response rate of 75% or greater at second follow-up.
• Two patients reported seizure freedom.
• Most patients were well maintained on MgO 420mg twice a day, or in 2 cases, Mg Lactate, without significant adverse effects, the most frequent being diarrhea (4/22).