Mapping epilepsy biomarkers: a bibliometric and content analysis

• Since 2010, epilepsy biomarker research papers and citations have skyrocketed. • The USA, China and the UK lead the research with untapped potential in Asia. • Neuroinflammation and genetics are hotspots in epilepsy biomarker research. • We present distinct biomarker profiles for different epilepsy causes. • Integration of past and emerging biomarkers improves diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy. Epilepsy, a complex global neurological disorder, has spurred extensive research efforts focused on enhancing diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, with a growing emphasis on the identification of biomarkers. This bibliometric study examines 1,774 publications from 2000 to 2023, revealing a notable increase in research activity, particularly in the past decade. The US, China, and the UK lead contributions, with Asian countries exhibiting growing potential. Keyword co-occurrence analysis reveals a shift towards investigations of neuroinflammatory and genetic biomarkers, as well as emerging areas such as artificial intelligence and epigenetics. Content analysis links specific epilepsy aetiologies to biomarkers, offering promising possibilities for personalised diagnostics and treatments. These findings yield valuable insights into current trends, guiding future research and informing the development of targeted approaches for the diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy.