Moon's phases ARE linked with epilepsy after all, say scientists
Lance
By Mail On Sunday Reporter
Last updated at 10:04 PM on 21st November 2009
Superstitions about the influence of the Moon on the brain and, in
particular, on epilepsy and seizures, have been around for centuries,
but according to new research there may be something in them after
all.
Researchers discovered that the number of epileptic seizures - which
are related to electrical activity in the brain - goes down when the
Moon is at its brightest.
They examined the record of seizures in a dedicated epilepsy unit, in
which every seizure in each 24-hour period is logged for all patients.
The researchers compared the timing of each seizure with the
brightness of the Moon. Their results showed that during the brighter
phases of the Moon's cycle there were fewer epileptic seizures in the
corresponding 24-hour period.
'These findings suggest that epileptic seizures are less likely to
occur on brighter nights,' says Dr Sallie Baxendale of the Institute
of Neurology at University College London, who led the study.
Experts believe the effect of the hormone melatonin, which is secreted
only at night and in the dark, may be implicated in triggering
seizures.
Source: MailOnline
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1229856/Moons-phases-ARE-linked-epilepsy-say-scientists.html
Peter Brooks
>
>
> 'These findings suggest that epileptic seizures are less likely to
> occur on brighter nights,' says Dr Sallie Baxendale of the Institute
> of Neurology at University College London, who led the study.
>
> Experts believe the effect of the hormone melatonin, which is secreted
> only at night and in the dark, may be implicated in triggering
> seizures.
>
the country.
Dave Smith
It sounds like the research should focus on melatonin as a causal
factor rather than on moonshine, though public interest might then
abate.
Dave Smith