SIGNIFICANT gaps in the knowledge and attitudes of healthcare providers and females with epilepsy regarding reproductive health and pregnancy have been exposed in a new study. Researchers surveyed 401 U.S. healthcare providers and 199 females with epilepsy aged 18–45, all of whom were taking antiseizure medication. The results reveal a disconnect between recent research findings and clinical practice.
Only 38% of healthcare providers reported being “very or extremely comfortable” managing pregnancies in people with epilepsy. Notably, 79% of providers reported that they were unaware of recent key research findings, with just 49% indicating these findings “would probably or definitely change their management” of these patients.
For females with epilepsy, the study revealed a mix of perceptions about pregnancy safety: 30% believed it was very or extremely safe, 50% considered it somewhat safe, and 21% as not at all or not very safe. Among these individuals, 91% were unfamiliar with the latest research, yet 64% indicated that learning about it would influence their reproductive decision-making.
The findings underscore an urgent need for improved dissemination of research on epilepsy and reproductive health. Enhanced education and communication strategies could empower healthcare providers to better guide their patients, ensuring safer pregnancies for women with epilepsy.
This study signals an opportunity for the medical community to bridge knowledge gaps and adopt evidence-based practices in managing the reproductive health of women with epilepsy.
Reference: Kirkpatrick L et al. Knowledge, Attitudes, and Decision-Making About Reproductive Health and Epilepsy. Neurol Clin Pract. 2025;15(1).
Anaya Malik | AMJ
