Abstract
Catamenial epilepsy is a menstrual cycle-related seizure disorder characterized by an increase in seizures at the time of menstruation. Its incidence is variable. Three distinct patterns of catamenial epilepsy _perimenstrual, periovulatory and inadequate luteal phase_ have been described.
Cyclical changes of ovarian hormones estrogens and progesterone are now widely believed to be essential for the genesis of catamenial seizures. Generally, progesterone has anticonvulsive effects, while estrogens facilitate seizure susceptibility. Despite the increased use of wide-ranging antiepileptic and hormonal drugs, catamenial seizures are often refractory to many treatments. Future studies are clearly warranted to determine the molecular pathophysiology and an effective treatment of catamenial epilepsy.
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