Temporal Lobe Epilepsy Exacerbation During Pharmacological Inhibition of Endogenous Neurosteroid Synthesis
February 2013
in “
BMJ Case Reports
”
New to Finasteride? There is a guide in the encyclopedia. Read the guide → Studysummary This case report suggests that discontinuing finasteride, which may affect neurosteroids synthesis, improved seizure control in a woman with temporal lobe seizures.
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The document reported a case of a woman with cryptogenic temporal lobe seizures, initially controlled with carbamazepine, but relapsed despite the addition of lamotrigine. The patient was also taking finasteride for mild hirsutism, which is known to inhibit neurosteroid synthesis. Upon discontinuing finasteride, seizure control was promptly regained. This case suggested that endogenous neurosteroids might modulate seizure susceptibility and response to antiepileptic drugs in humans, indicating their potential as a therapeutic option.