Ionic magnesium (Mg(2+)) depletion has long been known to cause hyperexcitability with convulsive seizures in rodents, effects that have been reversed by treatment with magnesium (Mg).
Metabolic disorders and genetic alterations are suspected in this pathology, in which Mg(2+) transport and intracellular distribution may be reduced without change in serum Mg(2+) concentrations.

We evaluated the effects of Mg(2+)/vitamin B6 regimen on the behavior of 52 hyperexcitable children (under 15 years of age) and their families.

This study indicates that hyperexcitable children have low ERC-Mg with normal serum Mg(2+) values, and that Mg(2+)/vitamin B6 supplementation can restore normal ERC-Mg levels and improve their abnormal behavior.