The Women’s Health and Epilepsy Clinic at Rush brings together specialty services in neurology and obstetrics and gynecology to provide centralized, coordinated and multidisciplinary care for women at any stage of their lives affected by epilepsy.
Differences in gender, including hormonal changes, can complicate the treatment of epilepsy. We specialize in helping patients navigate the intersection of epilepsy and gender-specific factors. In particular, hormonal changes can sometimes alter a woman’s seizure frequency. We also help patients manage the interactions with seizure medications and contraception, which have the potential to make both less effective.
Who are ideal candidates for this clinic?
Women with epilepsy who:
- Need counseling on contraception and family planning
- Are pregnant or planning pregnancy
- Have a pattern of an increase in seizures that coincide with their menstrual cycle
Why refer your patients here?
First-rate care: The neurology and neurosurgery programs at Rush are ranked No. 4 in the nation and best in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report. Our gynecology program is ranked 13th in the country and No. 1 in Illinois.
Epilepsy expertise: The Rush Epilepsy Center is accredited as a Level 4 — the highest possible designation — by the National Association of Epilepsy Centers. This is awarded to epilepsy centers offering the most advanced and comprehensive medical and psychosocial treatments, as well as innovative new treatment options.
Nursing excellence: Rush University Medical Center received Magnet status, the highest recognition given for nursing excellence. Only 540 U.S. health care organizations out of more than 6,300 U.S. hospitals have achieved this honor.
Conditions we treat
- Catamenial epilepsy
- Epilepsy and family planning contraceptive needs
- Epilepsy in pregnancy
Treatments offered
- Contraceptive counseling
- Hormonal management (for catamenial epilepsy)
- Medication management during pregnancy
