Epilepsy requires careful management and monitoring through a woman’s life
Epilepsy is a complex disease. The hormonal changes women experience, both day-to-day menstrual fluctuations and the longer waxes and wanings of a reproductive lifetime, make the management of epilepsy even more complicated. At some point, the well-being of a second person, a fetus, might also have to be taken into account.
Epilepsy in Women provides a detailed guide to this challenge. The wide-ranging approach encompasses all aspects of a woman’s life including:
- Social and psychological impacts
- The impact in reproductive life
- Contraception
- Pregnancy
- Fetal health and long term developmental outcomes
- Lactation
- Menopause
Each practical chapter begins and ends with a case study that demonstrates the more general challenge. The authors develop themes to provide clinical guidance based on evidence and experience.
Written and edited by an international cast of experts, Epilepsy in Women provides crucial tips and recommendations for neurologists and gynecologists who need to be aware of the subtle effects of epilepsy on woman’s life.
Chapter 1 Gender Difference in Epidemiology and Comorbidities of Epilepsy (pages 1–10): Beghi Ettore and Beghi Massimiliano
Chapter 2 The Social and Psychological Impacts of Epilepsy (pages 11–22): Sanjeev V. Thomas and Aparna Nair
Chapter 3 Neurosteroid Influences on Neuronal Excitability (pages 23–40): Doodipala Samba Reddy
Chapter 4 Catamenial Epilepsy (pages 41–52): Erik Tauboll, Line S. Roste and Sigrid Svalheim
Chapter 5 Impact of Epilepsy and AEDs on Reproductive Health (pages 53–63): Luef Gerhard
Chapter 6 Contraception and Epilepsy (pages 64–74): Anne R. Davis and Kathleen M. Morrell
Chapter 7 Diagnostic Challenges with Seizures in Pregnancy (pages 75–90): Sanjeev V. Thomas
Chapter 8 Seizure Control During Pregnancy (pages 91–100): Sabers Anne
Chapter 9 Effect of Pregnancy on AED Kinetics (pages 101–114): Peter B. Forgacs and Page B. Pennell
Chapter 10 Fetal and Maternal Risks with Seizures (pages 115–127): Vilho K. Hiilesmaa and Kari A. Teramo
Chapter 11 Obstetrical Outcome and Complications of Pregnancy (pages 128–135): Borthen Ingrid and Gilhus Nils Erik
Chapter 12 Mechanisms of Teratogenic Effects of AEDs (pages 136–147): Lynsey E. Bruce, Ana M. Palacios, Bogdan J. Wlodarczyk and Richard H. Finnell
Chapter 13 Major Congenital Malformations in Offspring of Women with Epilepsy (pages 148–163): Dina Battino and Torbjorn Tomson
Chapter 14 Fetal AED Syndromes (pages 164–169): Kini Usha
Chapter 15 Postnatal Cognitive Development (pages 170–183): Evan R. Gedzelman and Kimford J. Meador
Chapter 16 Management of the Postpartum Period and Lactation (pages 184–195): Autumn M. Klein
Chapter 17 Management of Epilepsy and Pregnancy (pages 196–199): Sanjeev V. Thomas, Torbjorn Tomson and Cynthia L. Harden
Chapter 18 Perimenopause and Menopause (pages 200–204): Cynthia L. Harden
Chapter 19 Bone Health (pages 205–210): Alison M. Pack