[Hair zinc and copper concentration in patients with epilepsy]

The concentration of zinc and copper in the hair of 55 patients with epilepsy was determined. The hair copper levels in patients with epilepsy were significantly lower than those in the normal control group (P less than 0.001). The hair zinc levels in female patients were significantly lower than those in the normal control group (P less than 0.05). In the following patients: (1) with generalized seizure, (2) with the disease course 0-5 years, (3) EEG showed heavy or middle abnormality, (4) had epileptic attacks within one year before the sample was taken, the zinc levels were also significantly lower compared with controls (P less than 0.05). Antiepileptic drugs had more effect on hair zinc than on copper. The increase in the hair zinc and copper and zinc: copper ratio seems to show the efficiency of drugs.