Published on: 7/9/2025
What blood tests are recommended after a first seizure?
After a first seizure, doctors often recommend blood tests to check for infections, metabolic imbalances, and other possible causes.
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Explanation
Blood tests help identify underlying problems that may trigger seizures. Common tests include:
Complete blood count (CBC): Checks for infection or anemia. Electrolyte panel: Measures minerals like sodium, potassium, and calcium, as imbalances can cause seizures. Blood glucose: Low or high blood sugar can provoke seizures. Kidney and liver function tests: To assess overall health and medication metabolism. Toxicology screen: To detect drugs, alcohol, or toxins. Pregnancy test: To determine pregnancy status, as seizures during pregnancy require special care.
These tests provide clues to help guide diagnosis and treatment.
(References)
- Krumholz A, Wiebe S, Gronseth G, Shinnar S, Levisohn P, Ting T, et al. (2007). evaluating an apparent unprovoked first seizure in adults .... Neurology, 18025394.
- Sutton F, Barca D, Komoltsev I, Craiu D, Guekht A, von Oertzen T, & Cock HR. (2020). Testing blood and CSF in people with epilepsy: a practical .... Epileptic disorders : international epilepsy journal with videotape, 32782232.
- Jin SJ, Lee T, Moon HE, Park ES, Lee SH, Roh YI, et al. (2023). Classification Model for Epileptic Seizure Using Simple .... Journal of clinical medicine, 37373723.
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