PATTERNS OF SEIZURE OCCURRENCE IN CATAMENIAL EPILEPSY

The pattern of seizure occurrence was analysed over 44 menstrual cycle s in 12 epileptic women who considered they had menstrually related se izures. Two peaks in the daily seizure rate were apparent. A significa nt increase in seizures occurred during the days of menstrual flow and the two days preceding it, with a second peak in the four days at mid cycle. The lowest seizure rate was in the late phase of the menstrual cycle. Daily salivary progesterone levels were assayed in 11 women, an d 12 ovulatory and eight anovulatory cycles were identified on this ba sis. No increase in seizures occurred at midcycle if ovulation did not occur, but the perimenstrual increase took place irrespective of ovul atory status.