Serum, CSF, RBC & urinary levels of magnesium & calcium in idiopathic generalised tonic clonic seizures.

ABSTRACT

Serum, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and urinary levels of magnesium and calcium and RBC magnesium levels were studied in 100 patients of idiopathic generalised tonic clonic seizures and 95 healthy controls matched for age and sex. There was a significant reduction in serum, CSF and RBC magnesium levels and a rise in serum and CSF calcium levels in epileptic patients. The 24 h urinary excretion of calcium and magnesium in the epileptics did not differ from controls. Post ictal (within 24 h of seizure) serum and CSF magnesium levels were significantly lower and calcium levels significantly higher as compared to inter ictal levels (4 wk after seizure). There was no correlation between serum magnesium, serum calcium and CSF calcium levels and the frequency, control or duration of fits. Low CSF magnesium levels correlated with increased frequency, poor control and longer duration of fits. Patients with status epilepticus and those in the EEG abnormalities had low CSF magnesium levels.