Abstract Details

Title A social media survey to understand where patients with neurologic conditions obtain information on pregnancy planning, pregnancy, and breastfeeding

Topic General Neurology

Presentation(s) P1 - Poster Session 1 (9:00 AM-5:00 PM)

Poster/Presentation
Number 172

Objective To understand where patients seek information about how their neurologic condition(s) and treatment(s) affect pregnancy planning, pregnancy, and breastfeeding.

Background Many patients undergo treatment for neurologic conditions while at childbearing age. These patients may seek information about pregnancy planning, pregnancy, and breastfeeding from multiple sources, including from their neurologist and other healthcare providers. This survey was done to better understand patient satisfaction with present day information and the need for reliable sources of information on neurologic treatments affecting pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Design/Methods An anonymous survey was posted on social media to recruit adult patients of childbearing age with neurologic condition(s). Participants responded to questions about where they sought information about pregnancy planning, pregnancy, and breastfeeding in the context of their neurologic treatment and their satisfaction with these information sources.

Results Of the 188 women who responded to the survey, mean age was 32.4+6.6 years and 47% were considering pregnancy. The most frequent neurologic condition was migraines/headaches, the second was seizures. Over 84% reported taking medications for their condition, but only 45% reported they were counseled about pregnancy planning, pregnancy, and breastfeeding prior to treatment initiation. Of those taking medications, 39% stopped due to pregnancy and/or breastfeeding primarily due to concern about the effect of treatment on pregnancy/breastfeeding. Respondents most commonly sought information from healthcare professionals (83%) followed by online sources (50%). However, 53% reported dissatisfaction with information provided, citing frustration at the lack of available information, confusion given contradictory advice from different providers, pharmacists, and drug labels, and a desire to be better informed during pregnancy planning.

Conclusions Individuals of childbearing age with neurologic conditions primarily consult healthcare providers for pregnancy and breastfeeding counseling but are often dissatisfied with the information received. This study highlights opportunities to enhance neurologic care for patients of childbearing age.

Authors/Disclosures
Jenna A. Brunn, MD (The Oak Clinic) PRESENTER	Dr. Brunn has nothing to disclose.
Anita V. Shelgikar, MD, MHPE (U of Michigan)	Dr. Shelgikar has received personal compensation in the range of $50,000-$99,999 for serving as an officer or member of the Board of Directors for American Academy of Sleep Medicine.
	No disclosure on file

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