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Serum prolactin changes in epilepsy and hysteria
P Tharyan1, K Kuruvilla, S Prabhakar
1Department of Psychiatry, Christian Medical College & Hospital, Vellore - 632 004, Tamil Nadu.
Indian Journal of Psychiatry
|September 20, 2011
Summary
Post-ictal serum prolactin levels can help distinguish true epileptic seizures from pseudoepileptic seizures. Elevated prolactin after seizures, but not after pseudo-seizures, serves as a key biochemical marker.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Biochemistry
- Clinical Diagnostics
Background:
- Differentiating epileptic seizures from pseudoepileptic seizures is clinically challenging.
- Objective biochemical markers are needed to aid in diagnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the utility of post-ictal serum prolactin changes in differentiating epileptic seizures from pseudoepileptic seizures.
- To assess prolactin levels as a diagnostic adjunct in epilepsy and pseudo-epilepsy.
Main Methods:
- A double-blind study was conducted to control for factors affecting prolactin levels.
- Serum prolactin was measured at baseline, 20 minutes, and 1 hour post-event in patients with generalized tonic-clonic seizures, complex partial seizures, pseudoepileptic seizures, and controls.
Main Results:
- Significant post-ictal hyperprolactinemia (peak at 20 min, falling by 1 hr) was observed after epileptic seizures and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).
- No significant prolactin elevation occurred after pseudoepileptic seizures or in stressed controls.
- A peak prolactin increase of at least threefold baseline values effectively differentiated genuine seizures from pseudoepileptic seizures.
Conclusions:
- Post-ictal hyperprolactinemia is a sensitive biochemical marker for genuine epileptic seizures.
- Measuring serum prolactin levels post-event can be a valuable tool in distinguishing epileptic from pseudoepileptic seizures.
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