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Epilepsy and Seizures: Overview

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Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disease marked by recurrent, unpredictable seizures. These seizures are caused by abnormal electrical discharges in the brain, leading to behavior, sensation, or consciousness alterations. They can also cause transient impairment of awareness, interfering with daily activities.
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Catamenial epilepsy: hormonal aspects.

Alberto Verrotti¹, Melissa Laus, Giangennaro Coppola

¹Department of Pediatrics, University of Chieti, Chieti, Italy. averrott@unich.it

Gynecological Endocrinology : the Official Journal of the International Society of Gynecological Endocrinology

|June 4, 2010

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Catamenial epilepsy involves cyclical seizure worsening linked to menstrual cycle phases. Hormonal shifts, particularly estrogen and progesterone, and antiepileptic drug level changes contribute to seizure exacerbations.

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Electroconvulsive Seizures in Rats and Fractionation of Their Hippocampi to Examine Seizure-induced Changes in Postsynaptic Density Proteins

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Published on: August 15, 2017

Area of Science:

Neurology
Endocrinology
Pharmacology

Background:

Catamenial epilepsy is characterized by seizure exacerbations tied to specific menstrual cycle phases.
Three patterns of exacerbation exist: perimenstrual, periovulatory, and during the luteal phase of anovulatory cycles.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the understanding of catamenial epilepsy, including its patterns, underlying mechanisms, and management strategies.

Main Methods:

Literature review of studies on catamenial epilepsy.
Analysis of hormonal influences (estrogen, progesterone) on seizure activity.
Consideration of antiepileptic drug pharmacokinetics during the menstrual cycle.

Main Results:

Estrogen acts as a proconvulsant, while progesterone has anticonvulsant properties, influencing seizure thresholds cyclically.
Fluctuations in antiepileptic drug concentrations throughout the menstrual cycle can increase seizure susceptibility.
Specific patterns of seizure exacerbation correlate with hormonal changes in ovulatory and anovulatory cycles.

Conclusions:

Catamenial epilepsy is driven by cyclical hormonal fluctuations and potential changes in antiepileptic drug efficacy.
Understanding these patterns is crucial for developing targeted treatment approaches.
Management strategies for catamenial epilepsy require consideration of the menstrual cycle.