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Catamenial seizure management post partum

Wed, 09/09/2015 - 09:07

 

 

 

 

Hi, I am new here but would really appreciate some advice. I am 35 and had my son at the age of 25. 3 months after his birth I had 2 seizures having had no history of seizures. The thing that stood out about them was that they both happened around the time of my first period after the birth . One happened around the time of ovulation and the other 14 days after just before my period. Both were grand mal and one was bad, I was in and and out of it for about an hour. Had various tests (EEG, brain scan) and no abnormalities found but I was put on a low dose of lamotrigine as a precaution. Since those seizures I have had no other seizures. I believe they were catamenial seizures but that they were one offs because my hormones were very high in pregnancy (above average) and the drop post partum caused a surge at the time of my first  period post partum.

My understanding is that catamenial epilepsy is refractory and as such difficult to control with drugs. I don't feel I have catamenial epilepsy but I do think birth is a trigger for catamenial type seizures for me. I now am desperate for another baby but terrified of the seizures happening again and worse still them not being a one off this time. My son is disabled we live in a rural area so I have to be able to drive and care for him. 

I was wondering if others have experienced a seizure pattern like mine and how you managed it. I have read that progesterone can manage the seizures so I am wondering about using it post birth and then having a mirena (progesterone) coil fitted. 

I have tried seeing a consultant about this but he knew nothing at all about hormones and seizures and suggested I see an obstetrician ! All he gave me was general risks which did not reassure me at all . Hence I thought i may get more info from this forum 

 

 

 

Comments

Find a neurologist who

Submitted by just_joe on Wed, 2015-09-09 - 18:03
Find a neurologist who specializes in epilepsy. You might also read more of the posts in this section.Many women have seizures during their time of month.Myself I do know hormonal changes can cause an increase in seizure activity as can weight gain. I know because I changed from a kid into a teen

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