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Chapter 8 - Catamenial Epilepsy

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  19 December 2024

By
Alexa King  and
Elizabeth E. Gerard
Edited by
Esther Bui  and
P. Emanuela Voinescu
Esther Bui
Affiliation:
Toronto Western Hospital
P. Emanuela Voinescu
Affiliation:
Brigham & Women's Hospital, Boston, MA
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Summary

Catamenial epilepsy is a pattern of seizure exacerbation from sensitivity to hormonal changes throughout the menstrual cycle. This hormonal sensitivity is common, occurring in approximately one third of women with epilepsy. There are three patterns of catamenial epilepsy, with the perimenstrual (C1) pattern occurring most frequently. The pathophysiology of catamenial epilepsy is complex, but studies suggest that it is primarily due to the fluctuations in the ratio of estrogen to progesterone throughout the menstrual cycle, with a worsening of seizures at times of increased estrogen-to-progesterone ratio. Therapies for catamenial seizures that have been described include hormonal therapies such as progesterone supplementation and cycle suppression. Non-hormonal therapies including pulse-dosed medications as well as optimization of anti-seizure medications at specific times in the menstrual cycle have been tried. Evidence for specific treatment of catamenial epilepsy, however, remains sparse and no highly effective treatment has been described. A few studies suggest that patients with hormone sensitive seizures may have specific responses in pregnancy, perimenopause and menopause, however further prospective studies are needed.

Keywords

Catamenial epilepsyWomen with epilepsyPerimenstrual seizureProgesteroneEstrogen
Type
Chapter
Information
Women with Epilepsy
A Practical Management Handbook
 , pp. 134 - 148
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2025

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