Analysis of seizure dispersion during menstrual cycle in women with epilepsy.

The correlation between seizures and menstrual cycle was studied in 69 females with epilepsy, mean age 28.7 years. Between 1975-1978 the patients had registered in standard diaries data of menstruation and seizures. Altogether 1237 complete menstrual cycles were collected with 6900 registered seizures. The computer analysis showed a significant increase of seizures frequency in the second phase of cycle with the peak on the first day of menstruation. During 7 days before menstrual bleeding 2137 seizures were noted while during 7 days after menstruation 1476 fits were registered. In 58% of cases the frequency of seizures increased during premenstrual phase, in 9% during menstruation and in 33% the influence of menstrual cycle was not observed. In the group of women with seizures related to menstrual cycle the course of epilepsy was worse, the premenstrual tension syndrome was present more often and cycles were prolonged as compared with females without correlation between seizures and cycle. It may be suggested that in severe epilepsy the function of neuroendocrine system is altered. Following hormonal dysfunction, the risk of seizure incidence may be increased in the second phase of menstrual cycle.