NYMC Faculty Publications
Gender Issues in the Neurobiology of Epilepsy: A Clinical Perspective
Author Type(s)
Faculty
DOI
10.1016/j.nbd.2014.08.033
Journal Title
Neurobiology of Disease
First Page
193
Last Page
197
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
12-1-2014
Department
Neurology
Keywords
Anticonvulsants, Epilepsy, Female, Humans, Male, Neurobiology, Reproduction, Sex Characteristics
Disciplines
Medicine and Health Sciences
Abstract
A patient's hormonal milieu contributes to the timing of emergence of several epilepsy syndromes that are known to begin at puberty and recede with the end of reproductive potential. One's hormonal balance at any particular moment contributes to seizure occurrence in both men and women. The best studied condition, catamenial epilepsy, refers to seizure clusters occurring in a cyclical pattern related to menses. Treatment of epilepsy using hormones complements standard antiepileptic therapy and its use will be reviewed, along with some other medications unique to catamenial epilepsy, such as diuretics.Seizures and “silent” epileptiform discharges in turn affect the hypothalamic pituitary axis and can cause release of hormones at inappropriate times leading to sexual dysfunction, menstrual irregularity, infertility and premature termination of reproductive states. Combined with psychological consequences of epilepsy, this sexual dysfunction has deleterious effects on the quality of life in patients and their partners.
Recommended Citation
Koppel, B., & Harden, C. (2014). Gender Issues in the Neurobiology of Epilepsy: A Clinical Perspective. Neurobiology of Disease, 72 Pt B, 193-197. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nbd.2014.08.033
