Werewolves notwithstanding, the full moon does not influence the frequency of epileptic seizures, reports a University of South Florida study.
'Contrary to the myth, epileptic seizures are not more common during a full moon,' said Selim Benbadis, MD, associate professor of neurology and neurosurgery at the USF College of Medicine. 'In fact, we found the number of epileptic seizures was lowest during the full moon and highest in the moon's last quarter.'
The study, to be published in an upcoming issue of the journal Epilepsy & Behavior, is posted in the journal's online version.
Dr. Benbadis said he decided to investigate the possible relationship between phases of the moon and the frequency of seizures after repeatedly hearing patients claim that their seizures were triggered or worsened by the full moon. 'Even some health care professionals believe this, but it's never been scientifically tested,' he said.
Every ambo (and a lot of cops) I've ever spoken with has insisted the assault and accident rates soar when the full moon rises, but strabgely enough, I'd never heard of the full moon and seizures. Perhaps I was too busy howling and growing fur and fangs.
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