Abstract
Epilepsy is a chronic, common neurological disorder affecting approximately three
million people in the United States. Approximately one million of these individuals
are women of childbearing age. Treatment of seizures with antiepileptic drugs in these
women poses several challenges that are unique to this population. An appropriate
treatment strategy for these women should include an in depth understanding of their
unique issues including choosing an effective birth control method, emergency contraception,
catamenial seizures, management of seizures during pregnancy, minimizing the risks
of major congenital malformations and breast feeding.
Keywords
Women’s health - catamenial epilepsy - AED teratogenicity - contraception
