Catamelian Epilepsy

By: Mia Morfa

Discovery

The discovery of catamenial epilepsy was the result of a

combination of clinical observation and research done by Andrew
G. Herzog and his colleagues.
In the early 20th century, researchers began to investigate the
potential role of hormones in seizure activity.
Neurologists and gynecologists had long noted that women with
epilepsy often experienced changes in seizure frequency and
severity around the time of their menstrual periods.
What is it

Catamenial epilepsy is a form of epilepsy that is associated with

hormonal fluctuations in women.

It is characterized by an increase in seizures during certain phases

of the menstrual cycle, usually around the time of menstruation.

Studies have shown that high levels of estrogen are a major

contributor to catamenial epilepsy.
Cause

Neurologists and gynecologists had long noted that women with

epilepsy often experienced changes in seizure frequency and
severity around the time of their menstrual periods.
Catamenial seizures happen due to changes in estrogen and
progesterone levels that occur throughout the menstrual cycle.
Detection

Evaluation of a woman's medical history, seizure pattern, and

menstrual cycle.

The doctor may also order additional tests, such as

electroencephalography (EEG), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI),
or blood tests, to help determine the cause of the seizures
Symptoms

Symptoms of this condition include convulsions, crying out or

making a noise, stiffness, jerking or twitching, falling down, loss of
consciousness, not breathing, confusion, loss of bladder control,
and biting of the tongue.
Treatment

● Hormonal therapies that aim to regulate estrogen levels helps

● Progesterone supplementation has been shown to reduce

seizure frequency in women with catamenial epilepsy.

● Other therapies include oral contraceptives and

gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists, which can
regulate the menstrual cycle and reduce estrogen levels.
Works Cited
Foldvary-Schaefer, Nancy, and Tommaso Falcone. “Catamenial Epilepsy.” Neurology, Wolters

Kluwer Health, Inc. on Behalf of the American Academy of Neurology, 1 Sept. 2003,

https://n.neurology.org/content/61/6_suppl_2/S2.

Verrotti, Alberto, et al. “Diagnosis and Management of Catamenial Seizures: A Review.”

International Journal of Women's Health, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2012,

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3469236/.