Sound‐induced seizures in animals

Abstract

Production of a Mg deficiency by dietary restriction of Mg particularly during the period of growth or selection of an animal strain with a high degree of susceptibility to sound-induced seizures on an hereditary basis can consistently produce convulsive seizures in 80-100% of a group of animals. Sound-induced seizures in experimental animals resemble epilepsy in man in some respects and offer an area of investigation that may reveal factors helpful in the understanding of this condition. Tones in the 8,000 to 11,000 cps range appear to be the most effective, but in some animals frequencies up to 35 kc have resulted in seizures. Typical seizure patterns in mice and rats are described.