Inflammatory mechanisms are involved in the pathogenesis of epilepsy. Vice versa, immune functions are regulated by the brain. We measured postictal changes in serum levels of the immuno-modulating cytokines IL-1beta, IL-6 and TNFalpha in patients with well-defined temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) and determined modifying factors. Serum levels of IL-1beta, IL-6 and TNFalpha were quantified by ELISA at baseline as well as immediately, 1h and 24h after a complex partial (CPS) or secondary generalized tonic-clonic seizure (GTCS) during video-EEG monitoring in 25 patients suffering from temporal epilepsy. IL-6 increased by 51% immediately after the seizure (p<0.01) and remained elevated for 24h. This increase lacked in patients with hippocampal sclerosis (HS; n=16, mean increase 28%, p>0.5, vs. 112%, p<0.01 in patients without HS). IL-6 levels were higher after right-sided seizures as compared to left-sided seizures 24h after the seizure (8.7pg/mL vs. 3.4pg/mL, p<0.05). In patients taking valproate (VPA, n=9), the levels of IL-1beta were higher as compared to patients not treated with VPA. The results suggest a relationship between the cytokine system and characteristics of TLE such as side and pathology.