More than one million women and girls in the United States are living with seizure disorders. They face many unique challenges, from changes during the monthly cycle which may trigger seizures to concerns regarding pregnancy. Social factors leave them vulnerable to discrimination and abuse. Yet their plight and the manner in which they are affected has been largely ignored. As an important part of the Epilepsy Foundation of Arizona’s role in advocating for all people with epilepsy, we are committed to addressing the unique health concerns of women with epilepsy.
Comparatively little has been written specifically for men with epilepsy, but this is not because epilepsy affects men any less than it does women. In fact, the numbers of those affected by epilepsy are largely viewed as equal between genders although some studies have reported that slightly more men have epilepsy than women.
For men with epilepsy, a wide range of issues exist, although these vary depending on age, seizure type and severity, and with overall health and lifestyle circumstances and include libido, fertility, bone density, and depression.
An important aspect of the Epilepsy Foundation of Arizona’s role in advocating for those with epilepsy, we are committed to addressing the unique health concerns of men with epilepsy.