Clinical Correlation Between Serum Magnesium Levels and Seizure Frequency in Epileptic Patients

• GUL E NASREEN

  1. Institute of Molecular biology and biotechnology (IMBB), CRIMM, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan.

  Author

• NAZIA SHAHNAWAZ

  Women medical officer ,Dhq Multan

  Author

• M ARSHAD

  Dept of urology , Nishter hospital Multan

  Author

• NISHAT AFROZ

  Women medical officer , Shahbaz sharif hospital Multan

  Author

Background: Magnesium plays a vital role in neuronal stability and synaptic transmission by regulating excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission. Hypomagnesemia may enhance neuronal excitability and predispose patients to recurrent seizures, yet its clinical significance in epilepsy remains underexplored.

Objective: To assess the clinical correlation between serum magnesium levels and seizure frequency among epileptic patients.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted across tertiary care centers in Punjab, Pakistan, from January 2024 to February 2025. A total of 100 diagnosed epileptic patients aged 18–60 years were enrolled. Patients with renal failure, hepatic disease, or recent magnesium supplementation were excluded. Serum magnesium levels were measured using the Calmagite colorimetric method, and seizure frequency was recorded from patient diaries and clinical records. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26. The Pearson correlation test was applied to assess the relationship between serum magnesium levels and seizure frequency, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant.

Results: The mean serum magnesium level was 1.63 ± 0.29 mg/dL, and the mean seizure frequency was 4.2 ± 2.5 episodes per month. Hypomagnesemia (<1.7 mg/dL) was observed in 38% of patients and was significantly associated with increased seizure frequency (6.1 ± 2.2 vs. 2.6 ± 1.7 seizures/month; p < 0.001). A strong negative correlation existed between serum magnesium and seizure frequency (r = –0.53, p < 0.001).

Conclusion: Low serum magnesium levels are significantly associated with higher seizure frequency in epileptic patients. Routine magnesium monitoring and supplementation may improve seizure control and overall neurological stability.

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Copyright (c) 2025 Gul e Nasreen, Nazia shahnawaz, M Arshad, Nishat Afroz (Author)

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