Effects of Steroids on Cerebral Electrical Activity

Abstract

RELATIONSHIPS, both general and specific, between ovarian function and seizure susceptibility have long been postulated. Analysis of patients who have the onset of a seizure disorder in the age range 10 to 20 years indicates a prevalence of females among patients subject to "petit mal"¹ and to seizures of other forms.² Significant age-related sex differences occur in the incidence of light-evoked electroencephalographic abnormalities with a higher incidence in the female during the years of active ovarian function.³ Seizures in many females are increased in their frequency in relation to the menstrual cycle. Logothetis et al⁴ postulated that a premenstrual exacerbation of seizures might be related to increased estrogenic activity. A lowering of electroshock threshold during estrus in the rat has been related to high levels of circulating estradiol during this phase.⁵ The exact relation of circulating estrogenic substances to seizure exacerbations in the human