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16 - Bone health in women with epilepsy
from Part IV - Health challenges for women with epilepsy
- By Robert Marcus, VA Palo Alto Health Care, 3801 Miranda Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
Edited by Martha J. Morrell, Columbia University, New York, Kerry L. Flynn, Columbia-Presbyterian Cancer Center, New York
Book:

Women with Epilepsy

Published online:

02 November 2009

Print publication:

20 March 2003, pp 164-170
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Summary

Some people with epilepsy have an increased risk for a condition of the skeleton called osteoporosis. This chapter clarifies the nature of this relationship, outlines its possible causes, and discusses current approaches to treatment. The problem of osteoporosis in people with epilepsy has long been assumed to be related to antiepileptic medications. However, it is important to point out that other aspects in the lifestyle of children and adults with epilepsy may themselves contribute to deficits in bone acquisition and maintenance. Women are more likely to develop osteoporosis than men because women have smaller body size and because they experience a sharp reduction in estrogen levels after menopause. For women over the age of 40 or those who are menopausal, bone density scans can be performed periodically to monitor bone health. This is especially recommended for women with a family history of osteoporosis.