title: Update on management of epilepsy in women for the non-neurologist.
abstract: Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder, prevalent in about 1% of the population. Almost half of the patients with epilepsy are women. Epilepsy and antiepileptic drugs can affect each aspect of the female human life cycle which includes menstrual cycle, contraception, fertility, conception, pregnancy and menopause. The interplay of the female hormonal state and epilepsy is complex and has to be taken in to consideration when managing their epilepsy. This review focuses on the management of women with epilepsy related to their role in reproduction.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Kettering General Hospital, Kettering, UK.
authors.forename: Inuka Kishara
authors.initials: IK
authors.lastname: Gooneratne
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Kettering General Hospital, Kettering, UK Neurosciences Department, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University Hospital, Oxford, UK.
authors.forename: Sunil
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Wimalaratna
mesh_terms: D000014:Abnormalities, Drug-Induced / Q000209:etiology; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001942:Breast Feeding; D003278:Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004347:Drug Interactions; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D015914:Estrogen Replacement Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008593:Menopause; D008597:Menstrual Cycle; D010507:Periodicity; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology
chemical_list: D000927:Anticonvulsants; D003278:Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal
keywords: Catamenial epilepsy; Contraception in women with epilepsy; Effect of female hormones on epilepsy; Epilepsy in Pregnancy; Menopause and epilepsy