[Catamenial epilepsy]

ABSTRACT

Epilepsy is one of the most common neuralgic disorders in clinical practice with a prevalence of 0.5-3 percent in general population general population, Among women seizures may occurs in relation to the menstrual cycle; such seizures are commonly termed as catmenial epilepsy. Although the existence of cat menial epilepsy was generally accepted uncertainty about its prevalence remains in horologic books prevalence of 15% is mentioned. The aim of this study was to evalvate of catmenial epilepsy in the women of childbearing age in Isfahan. This descriptive study was done between April 2003 to May 2004 in Isfahan. 356 women of childbearing age [15-45] with epilepsy recorded their seizures, the first and last day of their menstrual period for 6 consecutive modnths. Demographic findings, antiepileptic drugs and catmenial tenencies of their seizures were obtained and evaluated by spss version 10. 356 epileptic women were investigated in this study. 26 patients [7.3%] had catmenial epilepsy. The mean age of patients with catmenial epilepsy of was 25.46% 7.24%, 77% of them were between 21-40 years. The type seizure in cat menial patients was generalized tonic-colonic in 61.5%, myoclonic in 27% and focal epilepsy in 11.5%.73% of the with catmenial seizures use more than one antiepileptic drugs. Significant rate of catmenial seizures in women with epilepsy so hormonal therapy may be helpful for such patients. The majority of occur with catmenial seizures use more than one antiepileptic drugs, and more frequent attacks, so they are at grater risk and they need more attention to control their seizures