Catamenial seizures
Written and reviewed by Dr Ibrahim Imam, Consultant Neurologist. Last reviewed .
Catamenial seizures. This is an increase in seizure frequency during the menstrual cycle. Fully referenced neurology checklist.
Pathology
- This is an increase in seizure frequency during the menstrual cycle
- It is a ≥ two-fold increase in seizure frequency around menstruation and ovulation
- It may be due to the pro-convulsant activity of estrogen
- It occurs in about 45% of women with epilepsy
Menstrual cycle phases
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Patterns of catamenial seizures
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Treatment
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Investigational treatments
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Synonym
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References
- Lim LL, Foldvary N, Mascha E, Lee J. Acetazolamide in women with catamenial epilepsy. Epilepsia 2001; 42:746-749.
- Frank S, Tyson NA. A clinical approach to catamenial epilepsy: a review. Perm J 2020; 24:1-3.
- Voinescu PE, Kelly M, French JA, et al. Catamenial epilepsy occurence and patterns in a mixed population of women with epilepsy. Epilepsia 2023 (Online ahead of print).
- Foldvary-Schaefer N, Falcone T. Catamenial epilepsy: pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management. Neurology 2003; 61(6 Suppl 2):S2-S15.
- Kim GH, Lee HW, Park H, et al. Seizure exacerbation and hormonal cycles in women with epilepsy. Epilepsy Res 2010; 90:214-220.
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