Preventing Teratogenicity in Women with Epilepsy.

Over the last 50 years there has been a significant increase in our understanding of the issues faced by women with epilepsy, in both planning and undertaking pregnancy. The risks of teratogenicity associated with antiseizure medications have emerged slowly. The major pregnancy registers have substantially contributed to our knowledge about teratogenic risk associated with the commonly used antiseizure medications. However, there are substantial gaps in our knowledge about the potential risks associated with many third-generation drugs. The remit of the pregnancy registers and the wider research focus has moved beyond anatomical major congenital malformations. Increasingly neurodevelopmental and behavioral abnormalities have been investigated after in utero exposure to antiseizure medications. Public health approaches can help reduce the risk of teratogenicity. However, neurologists still have a vital role in reducing the risk of teratogenicity at an individual level for women attending their clinic. They also have responsibility to ensure that women with epilepsy are aware of the rationale for the different available options.

Neurology teambuilding event.

Good teamwork underpins excellent clinical services; a formal (typically annual) teambuilding event can help to foster a team's sense of purpose and ensure solidity and collaboration between team members. We have held several Epilepsy Unit teambuilding events and use this experience to identify their essential components and suggestions for various workplace-based and leisure activities to include. Other neurology teams might consider similar events to help develop their teamworking.