When Pregnancy Becomes an Inclusion Criterion in Neuroscience Research.

This Viewpoint discusses the inclusion of pregnant patients in clinical trials for antiseizure medication.

Assisted reproductive technology outcomes and management considerations for people with epilepsy.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Epilepsy is a common neurologic condition amongst people with reproductive capacity, and assisted reproductive technology (ART) is being increasingly utilized. A recent population-based study described favorable outcomes of ART in this population, but other work shows how fluctuating sex hormones may influence medication concentrations and seizures. RECENT FINDINGS: This review discusses hormonal influences on epilepsy and catamenial epilepsy, considerations regarding fertility in women with epilepsy, emerging ART outcomes, and management considerations for people with epilepsy undergoing ART. SUMMARY: Utilizing ART is an effective treatment for people with epilepsy desiring pregnancy, but closer monitoring and antiseizure medication adjustments may be needed to ensure the best outcomes. More research is needed to better guide epilepsy care during ART.