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Hormonal disregulation and catamenial epilepsy
M C Narbone1, C Ruello, A Oliva
11st Department of Neurology, University of Messina, Italy.
Functional Neurology
|January 1, 1990
Summary
Catamenial epilepsy, characterized by increased seizures around menstruation, may stem from hormonal imbalances. This study found progesterone deficiency and relative hyperestrogenism during the late luteal phase in epileptic women.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Endocrinology
- Gynecology
Background:
- Catamenial epilepsy is a subtype of epilepsy with increased seizure frequency related to the menstrual cycle.
- Hormonal fluctuations, particularly during the perimenstrual period, are suspected triggers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of sex hormone disregulation in catamenial epilepsy.
- To evaluate endocrine profiles and antiepileptic drug levels in relation to seizure frequency.
Main Methods:
- Studied six epileptic women with perimenstrual seizure increase over three menstrual cycles.
- Collected EEG recordings, endocrine profiles, and antiepileptic drug plasma levels at seizure occurrences.
Main Results:
- Identified progesterone deficiency and relative hyperestrogenism during the late luteal phase.
- Observed a correlation between hormonal imbalances and increased seizure frequency.
Conclusions:
- Findings support the hypothesis that sex hormone disregulation contributes to catamenial epilepsy.
- Progesterone deficiency during the late luteal phase may precipitate seizures in susceptible individuals.