Creatine kinase in serum after grand mal seizures

Total creatine kinase (CK) activity in serum was increased post-ictally in 14 out of 17 patients (82%) admitted to the hospital after one or more generalized seizures. No correlation was found between increased CK levels and cerebral or extracerebral ictal injuries. A highly significant negative correlation exists between regular anti-epileptic treatment and elevated levels of the enzyme (p less than 0.01). The maximum value of CK activity was found on the 3rd or 4th post-ictal day in 10 out of 14 patients. Correspondingly, late CK-activity increases on the 2nd-4th post-ictal day were found in 6 out of 9 experiments with unrestrained cats. In cats immobilized by relaxant drugs, only an initial rise of the enzyme within 24 h after the electrographic seizures was observed. These findings suggest that sources other than the skeletal muscle alone contribute to the increased CK activity after grand mal seizures.