[Effect of melatonin on intractable epilepsies]

The role of melatonin in human physiology until the second part of XX. century was unknown. The effects of melatonin have been studied in many physiological or pathological states of humans. There is now evidence that melatonin may have a role in many different actions, such as sleep promotion, control of biologic rhythm, mood, reproduction, tumor growth and aging. The authors report about the administration of melatonin for two pediatric epileptic patients, who suffer from intractable epilepsy. Their epilepsy was early onset, and different anticonvulsive treatments have been administered for them for many years, ineffectively. However, in response to 3 mg melatonin co-medication (administered in the evenings 30 min before patient's habitual bedtime) suppression of seizure activity has been shown on the EEG record of both children, and the number of their convulsions reduced clinically too. 3 month later the melatonin co-medication was stopped. The seizures appeared again.