Understanding Epilepsy in Women: The Challenges and Triumphs of WWE
Dr Soniya Tambe, MD, DM (Neurology), Consultant Neurologist and Epileptologist, Kauvery Hospitals, Bengaluru explains all ladies have to find out about epilepsy
Epilepsy is a dysfunction of mind inflicting recurrent “seizures” or “fits”. Symptoms of seizures depend upon particular space of mind. Symptoms could be jerking of limbs, staring episodes, sudden falls, confusion, transient lack of consciousness, unusual emotional feeling, nervousness, psychosis and many extra. Though epilepsy can have an effect on individuals with any age, gender; epilepsy in ladies raises particular issues, that are mentioned on this article.
Epilepsy and hormonal/menstrual cycles:
Most necessary hormones in ladies are oestrogen and progesterone. Oestrogen in pro-convulsant (will increase seizure threat), progesterone is anti-convulsant (decreases seizure threat). There are instances in girl’s life when adjustments in hormone ranges and hormone stability occur: throughout puberty, durations, being pregnant and all through menopause, thereby rising seizure threat throughout these conditions. Some ladies have seizures throughout particular time round their menstrual cycle, specifically simply earlier than menses, which is named “catamenial epilepsy” ( katamenios is Latin for menses).
Contraception (contraception) for girls with epilepsy:
In most circumstances, anti-seizure medication could make hormonal contraception much less efficient, however in some circumstances hormonal contraception could make antiseizure medication much less efficient. Using both barrier strategies(condom/diaphragm) for contraception or having intra uterine machine is most fitted for girls with epilepsy.
Epilepsy in ladies and fertility:
According to many research ladies with epilepsy have fewer kids. Possible explanations are worry of getting little one with delivery defect, sexual dysfunction, anovulatory cycles (Cycles the place no egg is launched from ovary), Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. However in line with latest examine in 2018, ladies with out prior analysis of infertility or associated dysfunction, ladies with epilepsy skilled comparable being pregnant charges in contrast with their friends with out epilepsy. Close comply with up with healthcare supplier is really useful.
Epilepsy and being pregnant:
Most ladies with epilepsy have uneventful being pregnant interval, nevertheless some ladies particularly uncontrolled seizures can have worsening of seizures requiring frequent comply with up, drug stage monitoring. Research has proven that some drugs enhance the danger of delivery defects in unborn little one. These are: Valproic acid, Carbamazepine, Phenobarbital, Phenytoin, Topiramate. Most widespread delivery defects are Spine problems- spina bifida, cleft lip, coronary heart abnormalities. Also, increased probability of kid having delayed speech, language and issues with reminiscence consideration. Folic acid complement beginning earlier than being pregnant and rigorously selecting antiseizure drugs throughout being pregnant is really useful. Also, ladies with epilepsy may have further appointments, blood exams, scans to examine child’s growth.
Breast feeding and seizure drugs:
Breastfeeding a brand new born has many benefits, together with enhancing child’s well being, bonding and is integral a part of expertise of motherhood. For most antiseizure drugs, stage of drug in breast milk may be very much less and it’s protected to breastfeed child. Close monitoring of child for stage of alertness, sleepiness, not gaining weight or developmental points is required. Certain ideas might reduce quantity of drugs that reaches baby- ideally taking drugs as soon as a day throughout starting of child’s longest nap, breast feeding the newborn instantly earlier than taking drugs.
Women with epilepsy and social stigma:
Women with epilepsy are extra susceptible to the psychosocial burdens of epilepsy. They expertise issue with schooling, employment, mobility, low vanity, low social interactions and relationships. There are many examples the place is ladies with epilepsy are subjected to ridicule, neglect and abandonment by households. Healthcare suppliers, social works, coverage makers have to have deep understanding of social and cultural perceptions of epilepsy and have to work in the direction of betterment of high quality of life in ladies with epilepsy.
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