OBJECTIVE: Prior studies have been equivocal about whether or not serum levels of the divalent ions calcium and magnesium are altered during different types of seizures. Magnesium is a potential modulator of seizure activity because of its ability to antagonize the excitatory calcium influx through the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor. We hypothesize that serum ionized levels of calcium (Ca(2+)) and magnesium (Mg(2+)) would be altered significantly during certain types of seizures.
The study you cited shows that the two minerals are altered
during a seizure. It does not claim, prove, or otherwise show that those minerals are the
cause of a seizure. The hypothesis and parameters of the study were based on the theory that electrolytes are charged particles, so they would react to the increased electrical activity that happens during a seizure.
Their hypothesis seems to be correct. However it does nothing to show that those minerals were the
cause of the seizure in the first place. It just showed that, indeed, charged particles in the body react to the increased electrical activity. They also had lower levels of magnesium in their serum tests after their seizures than they did before their seizures... It's interesting, yes, but as far as finding a cause for epilepsy, it doesn't exactly help. I've said it before and I'm saying it again, coorelation and cause are two entirely different things.
So let's move on... link two:
Clinical and experimental investigations have shown that magnesium depletion causes a marked irritability of the nervous system, eventually resulting in epileptic seizures. Although magnesium deficiency as a cause of epilepsy is uncommon, its recognition and correction may prove life-saving. Two case reports are presented which emphasize the importance of recognizing hypomagnesaemia in patients with acute intractable seizures.
By "Epileptic Seizures" they are referring to seizures in which abnormal electrical activity can be detected. So, non-psychogenic seizures. Do note: In bold I've highlighted the main point of the study in the abstract. It's uncommon, but it does happen. Nobody says it doesn't... but it's not the root cause of all epilepsy either. Also, I should point out that it's over *two* patients reports. That's not exactly a far-reaching study.
The third link:
Basically, it tells about how important magnesium is to heart health and function. This is true, however it does not point to a root cause of Epilepsy.
Fourth link:
I'm not inclined to trust "Inhibitory Properties Of Magnesium Sulphate & Their Theraputic Application In Tetanus." as a guide to stopping epilepsy. It was an interesting read, however it also doesn't bring any new information to light or point to a root cause of epilepsy. I also wouldn't recommend the intraspinal injections as a treatment plan for... well anyone.
It's fairly common knowledge in the medical community that magnesium levels being low can induce seizures, and it is something to test for, but it's
not the root cause of epilepsy, nor is increasing magnesium uptake a miracle cure for everyone with epilepsy.
People should be aware of and test for magnesium affecting their seizures.
They should not be led to believe that it's going to be a miracle cure... :?