Epilepsy

In this study, hair magnesium (Mg), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and manganese (Mn) levels, and serum Zn and Mg levels were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometer in patients with epilepsy (n = 33) and healthy subjects (n = 21), and results obtained were statistically compared. The mean hair Cu, Mg, and Zn levels of epileptic patients were significantly lower than the levels of control subjects. There was no difference in serum levels.

This indicates that the daily intake of copper, magnesium and zinc is adequate to sustain serum levels. However, it is not sufficient for maintaining adequate storage levels in tissue, meaning under stress situation, the body system may not be capable to maintain its biochemical balance easily.