The Frequency of Catamenial Epilepsy in Female Epileptic Patients of Reproductive Age Group Presented to the Tertiary Care Hospital

Abstract

Background and aim Catamenial epilepsy is the type of seizures during the reproductive phase of menstruation due to hormonal changes during the different phases of menstruation. This study aims to evaluate the frequency of epileptic seizures in women during the menstruation cycle and its management. Material and methods This study was conducted at the neurology department of Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC), Karachi, Pakistan. The study's duration was six months, from the 22 nd of January 2020 to the 22 nd of July 2020. The sample size for catamenial epilepsy in female epileptic patients of reproductive age was 78%. After approval by the ethical committee of JPMC, data collection started. Data was collected and analyzed in the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS, version 22; IBM Inc., Armonk, USA). Mean, and the standard deviation was calculated for age, duration of epilepsy, duration of antiepileptic, and antiepileptic drug. A Chi-square test was applied, and p≤0.05 was considered a statistically significant difference. Results A total of 184 female patients of reproductive age were selected for this study. The mean duration of epilepsy was 15.96 ± 8.85 months. The mean duration of antiepileptic drugs was 11.16 ± 7.53 months. In 73 patients (39.7%), EEG showed increased seizure activity during particular phases of the menstrual cycle. Catamenial epilepsy was seen in 73 patients (39.7%). The stratification according to age, duration of epilepsy, duration of antiepileptic drugs, the antiepileptic drug was done to observe the effect of these modifiers on catamenial epilepsy. Conclusion Catamenial epilepsy is relatively common epilepsy. The physician should evaluate patients when the seizures are refractory to the treatment. The females should manage a seizure diary, which will be beneficial in the management of epilepsy. In women with epilepsy, catamenial epilepsy should be considered in the diagnosis when the seizures are refractory to optimal treatment.

Dealing With Uncontrolled Seizure in Catamenial Epilepsy: A Case Report

“…2 About one-third of drugrefractory epilepsy in women has a catamenial exacerbation pattern. 3 A correlation has been observed between estrogen and progesterone levels on neuronal excitability and frequency of seizure. 2,4 Catamenial epilepsy is diagnosed by increases seizure frequency during a specific phase of the menstrual cycle.…”

“…2,4 Catamenial epilepsy is diagnosed by increases seizure frequency during a specific phase of the menstrual cycle. 3,4 Catamenial epilepsy is managed with various therapies, including hormonal and non-hormonal, and actually, there is no specified drug treatment for catamenial epilepsy. 2,3 Most of the patients suffer from uncontrollable seizures, and catamenial epilepsy is categorized as pharmacoresistant epilepsy.…”

“…3,4 Catamenial epilepsy is managed with various therapies, including hormonal and non-hormonal, and actually, there is no specified drug treatment for catamenial epilepsy. 2,3 Most of the patients suffer from uncontrollable seizures, and catamenial epilepsy is categorized as pharmacoresistant epilepsy. This condition may contribute to a significant adverse impact on quality of life.…”