Effects of seizures and their treatment on fetal brain.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the effects of pregnancy on seizures, the effects of seizures during pregnancy on the fetus, and the effects of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) on fetal brain and development.


METHODS
The available literature was reviewed and summarized.


RESULTS
There is a paucity of prospective studies. Retrospective studies indicate that, during pregnancy, alterations in seizure frequency can occur in an unpredictable fashion. Generalized tonic-clonic seizures may have adverse effects on the fetus. It is unclear whether complex partial seizures or absence seizures have negative consequences. AEDs may have potentially detrimental effects on the fetus and its subsequent development, but the full spectrum and clinical significance are under investigation. Monotherapy is strongly encouraged.


CONCLUSIONS
Dealing with the pregnant epileptic patient is a difficult and challenging task. Although there are several risks for the mother and the fetus, most epileptic women bear normal, healthy children.
LaJoie
Josiane
J
Department of Neurology, New York University, New York, USA.
Moshé
Solomon L
SL
D000014:Abnormalities, Drug-Induced / Q000209:etiology; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001921:Brain / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000196:embryology*; D016241:Child of Impaired Parents / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D047109:Fetal Development / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome / Q000453:epidemiology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D000927:Anticonvulsants