Management of epilepsy in women.
There are many aspects to the management of epilepsy in women related to their role in reproduction. Some of these need to be considered in adolescents, some are related to pregnancy, concerning both the mother and her infant, and others with the menstrual cycle and the menopause. This review considers contraception, fertility, teratogenicity, and the use of folic acid. It also discusses the special investigations in pregnancy, hyperemesis, the effect of pregnancy on the control of epilepsy, the effect of seizures on the fetus, a first fit in pregnancy, pseudoseizures, seizures during delivery, vitamin K, breast feeding, postpartum maternal epilepsy, hereditary risks, counselling, catamenial epilepsy, the menopause, and bone density.
O'Brien
M D
MD
Department of Neurology, Guy's Hospital, London, UK. obrmd@btinternet.com
Gilmour-White
S K
SK
D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D003277:Contraceptives, Oral, Combined; D000075202:Contraindications; D002658:Developmental Disabilities / Q000139:chemically induced; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D005315:Fetal Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced; D005492:Folic Acid / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D006939:Hyperemesis Gravidarum / Q000139:chemically induced; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000139:chemically induced; D007434:Intrauterine Devices; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000628:therapy; D011372:Progestins / Q000008:administration & dosage; D011644:Puerperal Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced; D014635:Valproic Acid / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014813:Vitamin K Deficiency / Q000139:chemically induced
D000927:Anticonvulsants; D003277:Contraceptives, Oral, Combined; D011372:Progestins; D014635:Valproic Acid; D005492:Folic Acid