The role of postictal laboratory blood analyses in the diagnosis and prognosis of seizures

Presently, no postictal laboratory values can definitively prove or rule out the diagnosis of an epileptic seizure. For seizures with unknown causes, simple blood tests can be a valuable aid for quickly defining the etiology, particularly with certain metabolic and toxic encephalopathies. For this reason, CK, electrolytes, creatinine, liver and renal function tests should be measured on at least one occasion. Further research is needed in order to identify new biomarkers that improve the diagnosis and prognosis of seizures and seizure-related complications.