[Use of lithium carbonate and vitamin E in the complex treatment of epileptics]

Using clinico-biochemical and EEG examinations, the authors have studied over time 30 epileptic patients who along with anticonvulsants received lithium carbonate orally and vitamin E in injections. Before the administration of the above drugs epileptic patients with a progressive course of the disease showed intensified lipid peroxidation, low levels of total and free cholesterol of erythrocyte membranes, elevated concentrations of vitamin E and a decreased activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the blood. The use of lithium carbonate and vitamin E leads to a considerable decrease in lipid peroxidation, an elevation in the content of total and free cholesterol of red cell membranes and an increased SOD activity in the blood. There was also a considerable improvement in EEG parameters. The above positive changes in paraclinical indices were accompanied by a reduction in the frequency of epileptic attacks and affective calming of patients. The authors believe that the obtained results can be explained by the normalization of the cell membrane permeability and recommend that lithium carbonate and vitamin E be included into the array of anticonvulsive drugs.