Catamenial seizures are seizures which worsen or cluster around the time of the menstrual cycle. Patterns of seizures which increase in both severity and frequency correlate with the level of certain reproductive hormones in the blood. These hormones are known as reproductive steroid hormones.
It has been established that there is a direct influence of estradiol, progesterone and testosterone on epilepsy. Women with Temporal Lobe Seizures experience an increase in mood disturbances related to the menstrual cycle and often times depression.Other seizure types may experience tonic clonic seizures only during the cycle and at no other time. Women who have been diagnosed as having this seizure form are usually referred to a neuroendocrinologist. Progesterone therapy has proven to be succesful in controlling these types of seizures. The Depo-Provera shot has had favorable results over contraception pills because it levels the hormones so that there is never a drop or rise. This diagnosis can sometimes be over looked by neurologist unless the patient keeps a careful record of the seizures and can establish a pattern.
Neurologist have just recently accepted this relationship and studies done at major comprehensive epilepsy centers have validated what many women have known for years. If your seizures fit this pattern you should certainly bring it up as a possibility with your doctor.
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