Physician's Discussion Checklist for Women with Epilepsy


    For your convenience we offer two versions of the Physician's Discussion Checklist for Women with Epilepsy in PDF Format, ready to print. Depending on your needs in working with your patients, you may print either the one page version or 2 page version.

    PDF Physician's Discussion Checklist - Compact 1-Page Version If you do not have Adobe Reader installed for PDF viewing, please click on the icon for a free download. Get Adobe Reader
    PDF Physician's Discussion Checklist - The Larger Font 2-Page Version with more room for notes of your discussion(s).    

    To the Physician:


    Use this background material and checklist as a guide for discussions of important issues with teens & women of all ages who have epilepsy. This is not a script, but a reminder of major topics as well as documentation of your discussion with the patient. Please use the accompanying     Discussion Guide for specific information.

    The checklist is divided into sections appropriate to different life stages.

    Patients with new-onset epilepsy, and those new to your practice, require detailed information; continuing patients may need follow-up discussions as they mature & their situations change. The status of teens & women who are not currently sexually active could change between visits. They may need up-to-date information & options appropriate to their current lifestyle. Women approaching menopause have their own specific concerns.

    Check all areas covered in this visit, date and sign this form, & have your patient sign it as well. File the form in the patient's chart for reference at subsequent visits. Download background information for your use & patient handout materials from http://www.professionals.epilepsy.com. Make notes of specific strategies discussed for follow-up discussions and refer patients to http://www.epilepsy.com for information.

    This Discussion Checklist was developed by the Epilepsy Therapy Development Project http://www.epilepsytdp.org to help physicians treating women with epilepsy. The issues were reviewed by a panel of epilepsy experts:

    FOR ALL WOMEN, ADOLESCENTS, & PRE-TEENS DURING REPRODUCTIVE YEARS

    Relationship between hormones & epilepsy (overview)
    Possible menstrual cycle-related influence on seizure susceptibility (catamenial epilepsy)
    Impact of epilepsy on sexual & on reproductive issues
    Epilepsy is rarely related to infertility; (consult infertility specialist if there is a sign of difficulty conceiving test for PCOS)
    Relation of some AEDs to libido and potency problems
    Women with epilepsy CAN become pregnant with or without AEDs; importance of careful pregnancy planning including folate supplementation
    Need for effective & consistent contraception to avoid unplanned pregnancy
    Effective contraception choices (interactions between hormonal contraception & certain AEDs; possible contraceptive failure and need to consider barrier method for added protection)
    Other forms of contraception (patch, IUD, Depo Provera®)
    Need to inform neurologist if contraception is discontinued
    Need for calcium supplementation and vitamin D for bone health

    WOMEN PLANNING TO CONCEIVE

    Note: Confirm the diagnosis of epilepsy & seizure type. In all discussions, emphasize the balance of all risks & the goal of controlling seizures

    Healthy pregnancies & healthy babies are the goal
    Need for optimum seizure control
    All risks (women not taking AEDs also have risks)
    Risks to the baby from AEDs must be balanced with risk of seizures to baby & mother
    Ways to reduce risks to mother & baby (eg,AED choices; folate supplementation)
    Appropriate AED medication/need to optimize before pregnancy; importance of NOT making any changes without neurology consultation (maintaining good compliance)
    Identify an obstetrician comfortable treating a woman with epilepsy
    Need for folate supplementation (especially if patient is taking any enzyme-inducing drug)
    How pregnancy can affect seizure frequency & severity
    Fertility treatments & possible effects on AED levels & seizure susceptibility

    PREGNANT WOMEN

    Note: Confirm the diagnosis of epilepsy & seizure type. In all discussions, emphasize the balance of all risks & the goal of controlling seizures

    Consultation with patient’s obstetrician
    Possible teratogenic effects compared to people not taking an AED
    Possible changes in AED therapy (only in consultation with neurologist)
    For patients requiring multiple AEDs for seizure control, discussion of choices, risks, & need for close monitoring of AED dose & blood level
    Vitamin K recommendations for mother before delivery & for baby
    Need to bring AEDs to the hospital during labor and to take regular doses
    AED dose adjustment following delivery and post-partum follow-up
    Breastfeeding/safety for the newborn
    Newborn appointment for neurologist evaluation (age 4-6 wks)
    Parenting issues to maximize safety for the newborn including minimizing mother’s fatigue to avoid seizure exacerbation & home safety preparations
    Have ultrasound first and second trimester

    WOMEN BEYOND CHILDBEARING YEARS

    Bone health & need for calcium supplementation & bone density monitoring; seizure control to prevent falls
    Peri-menopause effects on seizures/AEDs
    Menopause/hormone replacement issues; enzyme-inducing effects of hormones on AEDs

     

    Back to top