catamenial epilepsy; menstruation-associated seizures

Introduction

seizures associated with menstruation

Etiology

• more common with partial seizures than generalized seizures

Pathology

• due to hormonal fluctuations, particularly a drop in progesterone
• cyclical changes in progesterone, estrogen, & antiseizure drug lrvels

Clinical manifestations

• seizure exacerbation during the perimenstrual period

Management

• treatment specific to catamenial seizures
  • acetazolamide is not otherwise used to treat seizures
  • progestin-only contraceptive pills is another option

More general terms

• epilepsy
• partial seizure; focal seizure