From the Research
Yes, uncontrolled epilepsy can increase C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in the body. Research suggests that recurrent seizures trigger inflammatory responses in the brain and systemically, leading to elevated CRP levels, particularly after seizure clusters or status epilepticus. This relationship appears bidirectional, as inflammation may also lower seizure threshold and worsen epilepsy control. According to a systematic review and meta-analysis published in 2019 1, CRP levels were significantly higher in patients with epilepsy compared to healthy controls, indicating a significant association between inflammation and epilepsy. The study found that epileptic patients had significantly increased CRP levels in peripheral blood compared with healthy controls.
Key Findings
- A study published in 2012 2 found that CRP levels were significantly higher in patients with refractory focal epilepsy than in controls, and that secondarily generalized tonic-clonic seizures were associated with an increase in CRP levels.
- Another study published in 2015 3 found that pediatric epilepsy patients with frequent, refractory generalized motor seizures had increased interleukin-6 and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels.
- The inflammatory response involves activation of microglia in the brain and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-6, which stimulates CRP production in the liver, as suggested by the study published in 2015 3.
Clinical Implications
- Achieving better seizure control through appropriate antiseizure medications, addressing triggers, and maintaining medication adherence can help reduce inflammation and normalize CRP levels over time.
- Regular monitoring of inflammatory markers may be useful in assessing disease activity in patients with difficult-to-control epilepsy.
- The association between inflammation and epilepsy highlights the importance of considering the potential role of inflammation in the management of epilepsy, as suggested by the study published in 2019 1.