PARTICULARITIES OF EPILEPTIC WOMEN’S CARE

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Vol. 87 No. 3 (2009): Issue Mar 2009

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Ibtissem Ben Hamouda
Service de Neurologie EPS Charles Nicolle Tunis
Amel Mrabet
Service de Neurologie EPS Charles Nicolle Tunis

Abstract

Aim : Development on the epileptic women’s care.
Method: A research in the medical literature on PubMed and an exhaustive review of the published summaries and reports of Epileptology International Meetings, in the last five years. We included cohort studies, reviews and randomized double blinded therapeutic trials. Case reports and fundamental research studies have been excluded.
Results: sensitizing of the epileptic women starts with adolescence with an education and a preparation to sexual life and Available contraceptive methods, in order to avoid undesired pregnancies and the serious consequences which they are likely to generate. Approximately 1/3 of the epileptic women have variations of their disease related to the menstrual cycle, probably because of a neurotoxic effect of estrogens (not counterbalanced by progestational hormones). Antiepileptic teratogenicity issue is not, yet, solved, in spite of new molecules commercialisation. The upkeep of a register concerning the use of AED during pregnancy makes it possible to better identify the problems and to establish an optimal therapeutic control for the mother and the child.
Conclusion: Epilepsy impact on women’s life is very different compared to men, because it interferes with the fields of sexuality, reproduction, menstrual cycle and contraception, in addition of AED teratogenicity. A close cooperation between Obstetricians and Neurologist and a sensitizing of health professionals are essential for the global care of the epileptic pregnant women or in age of procreation.

Keywords:

Epilepsy and obstetrics, epilepsy and woman, epilepsy and adolescence, antiepileptic drugs, epilepsy and sexuality, epilepsy and reproduction, catamenial epilepsy, epilepsy and contraception, epilepsy and teratogenicity, epilepsy and foetopathy

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