No effects of the gonadal hormones on photoparoxysmal EEG responses in idiopathic generalised epilepsy

PURPOSE It is accepted that the estradiol hormone is proconvulsant and progesterone is anti-convulsant. In this study the effects of gonadal hormones on photoparoxysmal responses on EEG in idiopathic generalised epilepsy were researched. METHOD Twenty-two women with photosensitive idiopathic generalised epilepsy having regular menstrual cycles were recruited into the study. Patients presenting photoparoxysmal responses were selected from routine EEG recordings. Blood samples were taken on day 14 (E) and 25 (P) of the menstrual cycle to confirm E and P peaks. An EEG recording was performed for each patient on E and P days. RESULT No statistically significant differences were monitored with respect to frequency, duration of the photoparoxysmal responses on E and P peaks days (p>0.05). COMMENT In this study no correlation could be demonstrated among menstrual cycle and photoparoxysmal responses.