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Mental deterioration in epilepsy due to folate deficiency
Insights
Folic acid and vitamin B12 supplementation improved mental condition and reduced seizure frequency and severity in epileptic children with folate deficiency. Early intervention is recommended to prevent cognitive decline in young epilepsy patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Nutritional Neuroscience
Background:
- Epilepsy is a neurological disorder affecting children.
- Folate deficiency is a potential concern in epileptic children.
- Anticonvulsant drugs may impact folate levels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of combined folic acid and vitamin B12 treatment in epileptic children with folate deficiency.
- To assess the impact of this supplementation on mental condition and seizure activity.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 50 epileptic children aged 5 to 18 years with folate deficiency was treated.
- Treatment involved a combination of folic acid and vitamin B12.
- Outcomes were monitored for changes in mental condition and seizure characteristics.
Main Results:
- Some younger children showed improvement in mental condition within 5-8 weeks.
- 31 children did not exhibit changes in mental condition.
- 19 children experienced reduced seizure frequency and severity.
Conclusions:
- Combined folic acid and vitamin B12 supplementation may benefit certain epileptic children with folate deficiency.
- Early administration of folic acid and vitamin B12 alongside anticonvulsant therapy is recommended.
- This proactive approach aims to prevent cognitive deterioration in pediatric epilepsy patients.
Abstract:
Folate deficiency in 50 epileptic children aged 5 to 18 years was treated with a combination of folic acid and vitamin B(12). Improvement in mental condition occurred from five to eight weeks after beginning treatment in some of the younger children; no change was noticed, however, in 31. Similarly, in 19 children fits became less frequent and less severe. It is recommended that both folic acid and vitamin B(12) should be given as soon as a patient is started on anticonvulsant drugs to prevent mental deterioration.