title: Serum prolactin and cortisol levels in evaluation of pseudoepileptic seizures.
abstract: In 6 patients with epilepsy, a twofold increase in serum prolactin levels followed true epileptic seizures, but no significant change followed pseudoepileptic attacks in 6 other patients. Serum prolactin concentration is a useful biochemical marker to distinguish between epileptic and pseudoepileptic seizures. Serum cortisol levels also increased after epileptic seizures, but diurnal and individual variations render the cortisol level a less reliable indicator of such attacks.
mesh_terms: D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000097:blood* / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000097:blood*; D011388:Prolactin / Q000097:blood*
chemical_list: D011388:Prolactin; D006854:Hydrocortisone