CONTRACEPTIVE METHODS FOR WOMEN WITH NEUROLOGIC DISORDERS

Sex steroids in oral contraceptives exert several effects on the centr al nervous system and are therefore of concern when used by neurologic ally compromised women. In general, oral contraceptives do not aggrava te epileptic seizures and are not contraindicated in cases of tension headache. Oral contraceptives can be used in cases of migraine without focal neurologic symptoms as long as headache symptoms do not worsen. Levels of sex steroids can be diminished through enzyme induction by antiepileptic drugs, giving rise to the possibility of contraceptive f ailure and exposure of the fetus to the teratogenic properties of anti seizure medications. Women with common migraine (without focal neurolo gic symptoms) who are taking oral contraceptives should be monitored f or possible exacerbation of their symptoms. Women who do experience wo rsening of headache symptomatology when taking the pill should conside r alternate means of contraception.