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Antiepileptic Drug Therapy: Management Issues and Pregnancy

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Antiepileptic Drugs and Pregnancy

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Abstract

This chapter draws on material discussed in earlier chapters in an attempt to provide a scientifically based discussion of the management of antiepileptic drug therapy in women with epilepsy who are planning pregnancy, while pregnant and in the postpartum period. The aim of the management is to maintain optimal control of epileptic seizures at all times while also minimising the risks to the foetus from developing structural malformations while still in utero and from encountering neurodevelopmental problems during infancy and childhood. The information regarding the management of antiepileptic drug therapy in pregnant women with epilepsy should also, for the most part, be applicable to the use of these drugs in pregnant women for indications other than epilepsy.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Clinical Neurology and Neuropharmacology, University of Queensland, and Honorary Consultant Neurologist, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia

    MJ Eadie (Emeritus Professor)

  2. Department of Medicine and Neurology Director of the Australian Epilepsy and Pregnancy Register, University of Melbourne and Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Australia

    FJE Vajda

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  1. MJ Eadie
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  2. FJE Vajda
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Eadie, M., Vajda, F. (2016). Antiepileptic Drug Therapy: Management Issues and Pregnancy. In: Antiepileptic Drugs and Pregnancy. Adis, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-21434-4_11

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-21434-4_11

  • Publisher Name: Adis, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-21433-7

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-21434-4

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