Teenage years

Some types of epilepsy have an onset in the teenage years, at a similar time when the menstrual periods also begin. 

Although there is no clear scientific evidence that reproductive hormones are associated with the onset of these types of epilepsy. Disorders that begin at this age include:

• Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy
• Juvenile absence epilepsy

During the teen years, there are important issues to discuss with your physician:

• Hormone sensitive seizures (catamenial epilepsy)
• Family planning
• Interactions of antiseizure medications with birth control pills
• Starting folic acid supplementations
• Choice of medication (side effects of medications)
• Life style changes (sleep deprivation, substance abuse)
• Importance of not missing doses of medications
• Driving
• Sports safety
• Choice of profession