Epilepsy is a disorder in the brain. The brain is full of "nerve" cells. Nerve cells have
normal electrical activity to control the many functions of the body. Sometimes nerve cells
do not function normally due to many different reasons such as disease, an injury or because
the brain didn't develop normally at birth. When nerve cells do not function normally the
electrical activity that controls things like muscles and body movement can get mixed up and
cause seizures. When a seizure occurs, sometimes a person loses control of body movement,
and/or bodily functions. When a seizure occurs, a person may become unconscious, and/or
senses may be affected. Seizures can occur at any time, without warning, and can lead to many
health problems.
"Catamenial epilepsy" is specific form of epilepsy in women. It is closely related to the
menstrual cycle. In this form of epilepsy seizures increase around the menstrual period.
By doing this study, researchers hope to learn whether Keishibukuryogan add-on therapy with
antiepileptic drugs is safe for women with epilepsy.