NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - According to a new study, some patients with difficult-to-control seizures have low levels of Melatonin, a naturally-produced hormone best known for its links to the body's 'biologic clock.' Researchers found that Melatonin levels increase dramatically after a seizure, suggesting that the hormone may play a role in seizure control.``In some cases, it might be reasonable to try Melatonin supplements (in patients with seizures), particularly if sleep disruption is also occurring,'' study author Dr. Carl Bazil, of Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, told Reuters Health.Various studies in animals and humans have suggested that Melatonin might be useful in controlling seizures.For the current study, Bazil and his colleagues measured levels of Melatonin in the saliva of 11 patients with poorly controlled epilepsy and 6 healthy volunteers.Patients with epilepsy showed two major differences from healthy volunteers, the authors report. First, their Melatonin levels were low--about half of those of non-epileptic subjects. Second, their Melatonin levels peaked around 11 pm instead of the 2 am peak seen in subjects without epilepsy. Following a seizure, however, Melatonin tripled, to levels more than 60% higher than that of normal subjects, according to the report in the December 12th issue of Neurology. The findings suggest that Melatonin supplementation could help control or prevent seizure activity, as well as help regulate sleep in epileptic patients. Sleep regulation may be important, the authors say, since most epileptics experience serious drowsiness following seizures.Bazil emphasized, however, that the evidence thus far is ''preliminary'' and that it is far too early to recommend Melatonin to all patients with epilepsy.``I have tried Melatonin in a few patients (and) have not had any dramatic results but also...have not had problems. A few (patients) seem a little better,'' he added. Further research will be needed, they write, to determine whether Melatonin use can actually improve seizure control in these patients with epilepsy that has been unresponsive to other therapies. SOURCE: Neurology 2000;55:1746-1748.
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