London: There may be something in the
centuries-old superstitions about the influence of the Moon on
epilepsy and seizures, says a new study.
Scientists at University College London have
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.
For their study, the scientists examined the record of
seizures in a dedicated epilepsy unit, in which every seizure
in each 24-hour period is logged for patients. They 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, the 'Daily Mail' reported.
"These findings suggest that epileptic seizures
are less likely to occur on brighter nights," lead scientist
Dr Sallie Baxendale of Institute of Neurology at University
College London, was quoted as saying.
Experts believe the effect of the hormone
melatonin, which is secreted only at night and in the dark,
may be implicated in triggering seizures.
PTI
First Published: Sunday, November 22, 2009, 12:57