Re: Auras and the menstrual cycle

Posted By Kathy on August 20, 1998 at 18:32:10:

In Reply to: Re: Auras and the menstrual cycle posted by CCF Neurology* on August 20, 1998 at 17:39:17:






Hello,
As requested, I searched the archives before posting my question, and found the information there very informative. I was especially interested in the young lady who said her auras appeared before or around the onset of her menstrual period.
I began having auras shortly after the birth of my first child (relevant?).
I would feel a slight flush, followed by a feeling of deja vu, and a metallic taste in my mouth. I was able to carry on the activity I was engaged in, including jogging, while the aura followed its course. At that time, I didn't know what it was. I described these episodes to at least three doctors over the years, and none of them had much to offer.
I had my one and only gran mal seizure last year after experiencing auras for 22 years, 3 to 6 times a year. I, unfortunately, was driving my car at the time. (nobody got hurt but the car) (acually, several cars).
Coincidentally, the same month I had my seizure I also I had my FIRST abnormal pap, AND abnormal mammogram (calcium deposits). I have ALWAYS associated the auras I experience with my menstrual cycle. I shared this with a gen. practioner, and oncologist, and a ob-gyn, and they all say it's a coincidence. After reading the letter from the young woman who also said she experiences auras around her menstral cycle, it makes me want to ask   the question again. Could there be a link? It just seems too coincidental that my seizure and my "female" problems ocurred at the same time.
I am taking 400 mgs of dilantin a day, and have not had an aura or seizure since. I also have no side effects. My MRI was normal, and my EEG showed spiking in the temporal lobe. Unlike the poor man who was unable to drive for a year, I was able to drive again after my dilantin level stabilized above 10. This took about 2 mos. The level stays around 13-14.
Since my doctors are perplexed as to the cause of my seizure, and I haven't seen a nuerologist (nobody suggested it, and I guess since I'm healthy, they have a point), could you comment on the menstral cycle theory. I noticed the doctor didn't comment on it in his reply to the young woman.
Thanks alot,
Kathy
Dear Kathy,
Catemenial Seizures refer to those seizure occuring around the time of menstration.  An increase in seizure frequency around the time of menstration was first documented in 1885! Various studies have reported an increase in seizures around the time of menstaration but some are poorly documented. In humans studies have shown an increase in seizure frequency during the follicular phase, when the highest estrogen concentrations are found. Anovulatory cycles tend to be associated with a higher seizure frequency, in particular during times of peak estrogen concentration.  IV infusions of progesterones in women with epilspsy tends to decrease epileptiform spikes. in some but not all women. Although this eveidence as well as data from other studies suggest that estrogen and progesterone may play a role; other factors may also be of importance. Changes in anticonvulsant medication may occur. Premenstral tension and menstrally related mood changes may also play a role.  I hope this information helps.  Good Luck.