Women With Epilepsy
Do women experience epilepsy differently?
Women have a variety of different experiences resulting from epilepsy. Here you will find articles and information related directly to women and epilepsy, as well as forums to help you connect to other women sharing your experiences.
What do I do if I have epilepsy and I'm pregnant?
Women with epilepsy need to plan for pregnancy. If you are of childbearing age, talk to your primary care physician and your neurologist/epileptologist about the fact that you do want to have children.
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That allows you to prepare for the pregnancy by beginning to take folic acid to help reduce the risk of birth defects.
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This also allows your neurologist or epileptologist to determine if the anti-seizure medication you are taking will be safe for your pregnancy.
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Before becoming pregnant, you should discuss your medication or medication dosage to have a successful pregnancy.
If you are a woman with epilepsy and are pregnant, or are thinking about becoming pregnant, please register by clicking here with the AED Pregnancy Registry.
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The AED Pregnancy Registry is run by Massachusetts General Hospital. They conduct an ongoing study of the antiepileptic drugs (AED’s) that women take during pregnancy. The more information they can gather, the better they can determine what medications work best for a healthy pregnancy.
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To learn more about epilepsy and pregnancy, contact Empowering Epilepsy for their Patient Education Program at info@empoweringepilepsy.org or 216-342-4167.
What is Catamenial Epilepsy?
Catamenial epilepsy is a type of epilepsy women have dealt with for centuries. With catamenial epilepsy, seizures spike or increase during the time right before a monthly period, or during specific times in a woman’s monthly cycle. This is based on the fluctuation in women’s hormones before, during and after their period.
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Keep a record of your monthly menstrual cycle, along with your seizures and share it with your neurologist at your next appointment. They may be able to guide you to helpful ways to manage seizures related to menstruation.
Empowering Epilepsy Support Groups with Yoga
Empowering Epilepsy Support Groups are run monthly to help people live well with epilepsy. From 7:00 – 7:45, meet other people who understand epilepsy. Learn strategies to manage seizures and make new friends. Then from 7:45 to 8:45 enjoy Empowering Epilepsy Yoga. Learn Pranayama breathing techniques to help reduce stress and minimize seizures. Food and drink will be provided, and the event is FREE.
Can I have children?
Women with epilepsy can have children.
Make sure to talk to both your OBGYN and your neurologist about your family planning.
High risk pregnancy
Women with epilepsy who are pregnant are automatically considered a high risk pregnancy.
Taking Folic Acid is an important part of preventing birth defects.
Catamenial Epilepsy
Catamenial Epilepsy is a gender specific epilepsy in women whose seizures increase at certain times during their menstrual cycle.