Antiepileptic magnesium effect

Abstract

Magnesium is a bioessential mineral. Magnesium ion is an important regulator of multiple ion channels' function. Magnesium has many neuroactive effects at cellular, network and whole body level. Magnesium shows stabilizing effects on electrophysiological properties and electrical activity of nerve cells and suppresses pathophysiological neuronal hyperexcitability. Magnesium deficiency has epileptogenic effect and its recompense - antiepileptic potential. Anticonvulsive action of MgSO4 infusions is clinically best known for the control of eclamptic convulsions. Under experimental conditions Mg2+ also exerts inhibitory effect on animal models of nonsynaptic epileptiform activity. Perspectives of future translational research on magnesium in epileptology point to potential benefit from magnesium therapy for better seizure control in refractory epilepsy.