A Recent Clinical Update on Epilepsy in Pregnancy

Main Article Content

Isabel Arroyo

Abstract

ABSTRACT:

Chronic diseases can have numerous effects across a person’s lifespan. Epilepsy is a chronic disease that impacts all stages of life including pregnancy. Pregnancy is a sensitive time in one’s life, especially for people living with a chronic disease. This review presents a recent update on the scientific findings surrounding epilepsy and pregnancy. Topics such as conception, seizure control during pregnancy, health risks to the mother and baby during pregnancy and side effects of anti-epileptic medications will be covered. Through the presentation of findings from 2013 to 2015, this review will update future clinicians on novel developments in the field of pregnancy and epilepsy that will aid with treatment of patients, while simultaneously identifying gaps in the literature and needs for future research. This review serves as a reminder that medicine needs to be tailored to the unique individual and that individuals living with chronic diseases may require altered treatment plans throughout their lives.


RÉSUMÉ:

Les maladies chroniques peuvent avoir de nombreux effets au travers de la vie d’une personne. L’épilepsie est une maladie chronique qui touche tous les stades de la vie, y compris la grossesse. La grossesse est un moment délicat de la vie, en particulier pour les personnes vivant avec une maladie chronique. Cette revue présente une mise à jour récente sur les découvertes scientifiques au sujet de l’épilepsie et de la grossesse. Des sujets tels que la conception, le contrôle des crises pendant la grossesse, les risques pour la santé de la mère et du bébé pendant la grossesse et les effets secondaires des médicaments antiépileptiques seront couverts. Par le biais de la présentation des résultats de 2013 à 2015, cette revue servira de mise à jour des nouveaux développements dans le domaine de la grossesse et de l’épilepsie pour les futurs cliniciens et aidera avec le traitement des patients, tout en identifiant simultanément les lacunes dans la littérature et les besoins pour la recherche future. Cet examen sert comme un rappel que la médecine doit être adaptée à l’individu unique et que les personnes atteintes de maladies chroniques peuvent exiger des plans de traitement modifiés tout au long de leur vie.

Article Details

Section
Review & Clinical Practice

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