Epilepsy Foundation of America Recognizes EO Brochure
[In the March 1996 issue of Epilepsy USA (Vol. 39, No. 2), the Epilepsy Foundation of America (EFA) commended Epilepsy Ontario for our Women and Epilepsy brochure.]
Women with epilepsy are apt to encounter myriad decisions and difficulties related to the condition. This new pamphlet, developed by Epilepsy Ontario, presents a discussion of many of them.
"This is an excellent pamphlet, one of the best on this subject I have ever seen," said Dr. Martha Morrell, Director of the Comprehensive Epilepsy Centre at Stanford University. Morrell is a member of the Foundation's Women and Epilepsy Initiative Task Force and EFA's board of directors and professional advisory board.
The pamphlet first walks the reader through adolescence, with its concerns about self-esteem, independence, dating, sexuality and similar issues. This section covers the relationship between seizures and menstrual cycles, disclosure of one's seizure disorder in personal relationships and questions about the use of birth control pills.
Next is a section about pregnancy and planning for the future. Perhaps the most well-developed portion of the publication, it covers everything from fertility to possible pregnancy and birth complications, possible effects of antiepileptic medications on the foetus and on nutrition, to labour, delivery and breast-feeding. And, for after the baby's birht, there are some tips to help ensure the child's safety.
The pamphlet wraps it all up with some general recommendations and a discussion of the effects of menopause on epilepsy.
"The material is extremely well-presented," said Dr. Patricia Crumrine, co-chair of the Client and Public Information Committee of EFA's Professional Advisory Board.
The text of this brochure is available on this site at:
"../../faqs/women.html"
You may obtain a complimentary copy by contacting us via email
info@epilepsyontario.org
Please be sure to include your name and postal address.
Multiple copies are available at a cost of Cdn$1.00 each.
