Abstract: ObjectiveTo investigate the changes and significance of dopamine (DA) in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with epilepsy. MethodsA total of 35 epilepsy patients was set as an EP group and then were sub-divided into an intractable epilepsy group (9 patients) and a non-refractory epilepsy group (26 patients). Their cognitive function was evaluated by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) Scale. Their levels of DA in the cerebrospinal fluid were measured by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The association of DA in the cerebrospinal fluid with MoCA scores was analyzed by Spearman correlation analysis. ResultsThe level of DA in the cerebrospinal fluid in the EAP group were significantly higher than that in the control group (P<0.01). No significant difference was found in DA level between the intractable and non-refractory epilepsy groups (P>0.05). There was no significant correlation between DA level and MoCA scores in epilepsy patients (P>0.05). ConclusionsThe elevated level of DA in the cerebrospinal fluid may be related to the development of EP, but the level of DA is not associated with refractory epilepsy and cognitive dysfunction.