CEREBROSPINAL FLUID AND PLASMA CONCENTRATIONS OF MAGNESIUM IN EPILEPTIC CHILDREN

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses a study to investigate cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma concentrations of magnesium in epileptic children. It reports the results of determination of Mg in cerebrospinal fluid and plasma in epileptics compared to the control children of the same age. Magnesium was determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry and by a colorimetric method specific for Mg. By both methods, a significant decrease of plasma Mg was found in epileptics. This alteration was correlated with the severity of epilepsy, that is, the plasma Mg was lower in children presenting daily attacks. Cerebrospinal fluid Mg was found to be increased in epileptics compared with control children. This change was also statistically significant. The group of epileptic children investigated (120 children) probably represents the largest group of epileptics to whom the Mg values in plasma have been reported. The results are of particular interest considering the multiple roles of Mg in the neuromuscular excitability, in the activity of enzymes localized in various subcellular fractions, as well as the use of Mg for the suppression of seizures.