INTRODUCTION: Epilepsy is considered a health problem. 85% of patients are satisfactorily controlled with antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) and 15% have refractory seizures. The combination of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids (EquazenTM) can contribute to changes in ionic currents and to stabilization of neurotransmitter's function resulting in cell membrane equilibrium. These changes lead to potential seizure control. OBJECTIVE: To compare efficacy and safety in the treatment of refractory epilepsy with a supplement combining EPA, DHA (omega 3 fatty acids) and GLA (omega 6 fatty acids). METHODS: We reviewed patients from the Neurology Department of the Children's Hospital of Mexico who have refractory epilepsy, evaluating clinical characteristics of seizures, number of seizures and AEDs. 792 mg of EPA, DHA and GLA per day (6 capsules of EquazenTM) were administrated for four weeks in order to assess the frequency of seizures as well as tolerability and probable side effects. RESULTS: The study was conducted with a total of 13 patients with follow-up four weeks after the start of supplementation. We obtained a satisfactory clinical response with ≥ 80% decrease in the daily number of seizures in more than 60% of patient. The mean of number of seizures over all patients was reduced significantly from 26.61±37.2 to 5.92 daily. In addition a significant improvement in the neurocognitive capacity was observedin all patients. CONCLUSION: The co-adjuvant supplementation with EquazenTM may result in a reduction of the number of seizures in refractory epilepsy having in addition significant impact on neurocognitive aspects. To enhance the quality of life of epileptic patient supplementation with a specific combination of EPA, DHA and GLA should be reconsidered.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
customersupport@researchsolutions.com
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.