Immunological Aspects of Epilepsy

Abstract
Epileptogenic activity can be provoked in animals by topical application on the cerebral cortex of antiserum to brain tissue. Several patients with epilepsy have an immunoglobulin A (IgA) deficiency, which may be caused by antiepileptic drugs (drug-induced) or may apparently be associated with the epileptic condition (drug-independent). Deficiency of secretory IgA may pre-dispose the patients for recurrent upper respiratory infections. Some antiepileptic drugs may also reduce the number of circulating T-lymphocytes.