ABSTRACT
Women with catamenial epilepsy have a predictable pattern of seizure discontrol that is associated with the menstrual cycle (Bäckström et al., 1984; Newmark & Penry, 1980). Although the existence of catamenial epilepsy remains controversial, because the reported prevalence of this disorder has ranged from 0% to 72% (Laidlaw, 1956; Newmark, 1989), there is strong support in the literature for the hypothesis that at least some epileptic women experience cyclical changes in seizure frequency in relation to the menstrual cycle. Seizures may occur only during specific phases of the menstrual cycle, or they may just be more frequent during portions of the cycle. This chapter reviews research on the timing of seizure occurrence during the menstrual cycle, mechanisms that may contribute to a catamenial seizure pattern, and potential treatment strategies.
