BACKGROUND & AIMS: A link between malnutrition and epilepsy has been suspected for many years. METHODS: Different aspects of the question were studied with a review of previous published data. RESULTS: Several studies performed on animal models or humans highlight the possible adverse effects of malnutrition in the onset of seizures. Protein-energy, electrolyte, vitamin or trace element deficiencies may be involved. Conversely, several determinants of epilepsy could lead to malnutrition: food taboos and social exclusion in developing countries as well as some adverse effects of antiepileptic treatments. CONCLUSIONS: Two different hypotheses exist as a vicious circle: malnutrition predisposing to epilepsy or epilepsy predisposing to malnutrition. A better understanding of these interactions is necessary. In the mean time, malnutrition has to be prevented and treated.
BACKGROUND & AIMS: A link between malnutrition and epilepsy has been suspected for many years. METHODS: Different aspects of the question were studied with a review of previous published data. RESULTS: Several studies performed on animal models or humans highlight the possible adverse effects of malnutrition in the onset of seizures. Protein-energy, electrolyte, vitamin or trace element deficiencies may be involved. Conversely, several determinants of epilepsy could lead to malnutrition: food taboos and social exclusion in developing countries as well as some adverse effects of antiepileptic treatments. CONCLUSIONS: Two different hypotheses exist as a vicious circle: malnutrition predisposing to epilepsy or epilepsy predisposing to malnutrition. A better understanding of these interactions is necessary. In the mean time, malnutrition has to be prevented and treated.
Authors: Jane J Rogathe; Jim Todd; Ewan Hunter; Richard Walker; Antony Ngugi; Charles Newton; Kathryn Burton Journal: Epilepsy Res Date: 2014-07-06 Impact factor: 3.045
Authors: Khaled Saad; Amira A El-Houfey; Mohamed A Abd El-Hamed; Osama M El-Asheer; Abdulrahman A Al-Atram; Mostafa S K Tawfeek Journal: Funct Neurol Date: 2015 Jul-Sep
Authors: Bryan V Phillips-Farfán; María Del Carmen Rubio Osornio; Verónica Custodio Ramírez; Carlos Paz Tres; Karla G Carvajal Aguilera Journal: Front Cell Neurosci Date: 2015-03-11 Impact factor: 5.505