Epilepsy and women’s health

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