Serum prolactin and cortisol levels in evaluation of pseudoepileptic seizures.

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.