ReviewCurrently, according to the World Health Organization, there are more than 65 million people with epilepsy in the world. The prevalence of epilepsy in developed countries is 5-10 cases per 1000 population [1]. According to the results of demographic studies conducted in developed countries, the incidence of epilepsy varies from 0.28 to 0.53 per 1000 population [2]. In the CIS countries, the prevalence of the disease varies from 0.96 to 10 cases per 1,000 population [1]. The prevalence of epilepsy ranges from 50 to 73 cases per 100,000 population in various areas in Ukraine (an average of 73.9 per 100,000). The incidence is 50-70 cases per 100 000 population per year, the prevalence is 5-10 per 1000 population. In addition, the average incidence in men (53.7 per 100,000) is slightly higher than in women (46.3 per 100,000) [3]. Epilepsy is one of the most frequent and serious neurological diseases and ranks third among organic brain diseases. This disease places a burden on the patient, his family and society as a whole. Epilepsy affects social functioning, limiting employment opportunities and education, affects the patient's social circle, and increases the risk of death. The burden of epilepsy is associated with many factors, including the unpredictability of seizures and stigmatization of patients [4]. According to the consensus of the International League against epilepsy (International League Against Epilepsy, ILAE) and International Bureau for epilepsy (International Bureau for Epilepsy, IBE), epilepsy is a disease of the brain defined by any of the following conditions: 1. At least two unprovoked (or reflex) seizures occurring >24 h apart 2. One unprovoked (or reflex) seizure and a probability of further seizures similar to the general recurrence risk (at least 60%) after two unprovoked seizures, occurring over the next 10 years 3. Diagnosis of an epilepsy syndrome [5].Epilepsy is a separate problem for each sex, which requires gender-specific management approaches and patient treatment strategies. If we take into account differences in the structure of epilepsy depending on gender, then a significantly higher percentage of symptomatic post-traumatic epilepsy and alcohol dependence is characteristic of males. Epilepsy with myoclonic-astatic seizures (Doose syndrome) boys suffer 2 times more often, focal seizures with hypermotor automatisms are 2 times more common in men.[4] Sudden death syndrome with epilepsy (SUDEP) is also more common in men [6]. However, there are epileptic syndromes that are more common in women: pediatric absence epilepsy, typical early onset absences, photosensitive forms of epilepsy, juvenile

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This article discusses the role of monoaminergic systems, namely the role of the pineal gland hormone in the pathogenesis of epilepsy. The functions of melatonin in this pathology in young men are also considered.

The definition of epilepsy via the concept of neuronal discharge indicates the crucial importance of electroencephalography (EEG) in epileptology. This pathology is a certain problem for each sex, that requires gender−specific approaches when managing and treating such patients. To investigate them, 30 men and 30 women aged 18−44 years with a reliable diagnosis of epilepsy were examined. A comprehensive clinical, neurological and neurophysiological study of patients was performed, taking into account the data of clinical case and life history. Each patient was assessed for neurological status according to traditional methods, electrophysiological method of examination (routine EEG) was used. On the results of electroencephalography in individuals of both sexes with epilepsy, there was a decrease in the amplitude of the α−rhythm, but a significant slowdown in this rhythm was not detected. Most patients had high−amplitude (> 20 μV) and low−frequency β1−rhythm. Low−frequency high−amplitude slow−wave activity was regarded as an EEG reflection of degenerative−dystrophic processes in brain. Photostimulation caused paroxysms of bilaterally synchronous sharp and slow waves, complexes of "acute−slow" wave. Hyperventilation led to an increase in the θ−rhythm amplitude, appearance of δ−waves, higher expression of true epileptiform phenomena: adhesions, "acute wave−slow wave" complexes, "spike−slow wave" complexes. A comparative analysis of the obtained results allowed to conclude that the changes in bioelectrical activity in epilepsy occur according to the general mechanisms of epileptogenesis, regardless of gender. Key words: epilepsy, electroencephalogram, comparative analysis, young men and women.