Effects of puberty on seizure frequency

Seizure frequency was documented before, during and in some cases after puberty for 12 patients with continuing generalised tonic-clonic seizures (GTCS) and for 14 with complex partial seizures (CPS) who were receiving anti-epileptic drugs. For the patients with GTCS there was a significant increase in seizure frequency during the pubertal growth-spurt, with a subsequent decrease after growth ceased. There appeared to be no relationship between puberty and the frequency of CPS. Both groups were more likely to have suboptimal plasma drug-levels during puberty, suggesting that medication was not the cause of the increased GTCS frequency. Further examination of hormonal levels in relation to frequency of GTCS during puberty could provide a better understanding of the influence of hormones.