The effect of pregnancy on the epilepsies: a study of 37 pregnancies

Abstract

Abstract Background: Although studies have assessed the effect of pregnancy on epilepsy, usually the types of epilepsy are not differentiated and most have not included a control group, despite the natural history of epilepsy including fluctuations in seizure frequency. Aims: To assess the effect of pregnancy on seizure frequency and compare this with changes in seizure frequency in non‐pregnant patients. In addition, the relationship between seizure frequency during pregnancy and epilepsy type, seizure frequency prior to pregnancy and duration of epilepsy will be assessed. Methods: Seizure frequency was assessed retrospectively in 37 pregnancies from 24 women by comparing the seizure number..