Epilepsy and Vitamin D

Abstract

Summary Several disorders, both systemic and those of the nervous system, have been linked with vitamin D deficiency. Neurological disorders with a vitamin D link include but are not limited to multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer and Parkinson disease as well as cerebrovascular disorders. Epilepsy which is the second leading neurological disorder received much less attention. We review evidence supporting a link between vitamin D and epilepsy including those coming from ecological as well as interventional and animal studies. We also assess the literature on the interaction between antiepileptic drugs and vitamin D. Converging evidence indicates a role for vitamin D deficiency in the pathophysiology of epilepsy.