Women’s Neurology Program Manages Neurological Issues in Women of Childbearing Age

Led by Autumn M. Klein, MD, PhD, Director of the Women’s Neurology Program at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, neurologists in the Program are partnering with referring physicians in the management of patients of reproductive age with neurological issues, including epilepsy, difficult-to-manage or chronic headache, high risks for stroke, and other neurological concerns.

Neurologists in the Program develop a treatment plan, including the most appropriate medications, to manage conditions both before conception and during pregnancy and delivery. Treatment may include regulating medication dose to control epileptic episodes around menstruation – a time when many women experience a significantly higher level of epileptic activity.

In addition, neurologists collaborate closely with obstetricians for prenatal management of epilepsy and other neurological conditions, as well as during delivery of these high risk pregnancies.

Indications for Referral

Women who are pregnant and women of reproductive age with the following conditions may be referred to the Women’s Neurology Program for evaluation and treatment: Epilepsy;

• High risks for stroke;
• Difficult-to-manage or chronic headache;
• Other neurological conditions.

Information and Referrals

For more information regarding women’s neurology services at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, or to refer a patient, please contact our Referral Coordinators at (617) 732-9894 or bwhteleservices@partners.org.