Eclampsia (patient information)
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Editor-in-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S.,M.D. [1] Phone:617-632-7753; Associate Editor-In-Chief: Lakshmi Gopalakrishnan, M.B.B.S.
Synonyms and keywords: Toxemia with seizures
Overview
Eclampsia is seizures (convulsions) in a pregnant woman that are not related to a preexisting brain condition.
What are the symptoms of Eclampsia?
- Symptoms of eclampsia include:
- Muscle aches and pains
- Seizures
- Severe agitation
- Unconsciousness
- Symptoms of preeclampsia include:
- Gaining more than 2 pounds per week
- Headaches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Swelling of the hands and face
- Vision problems
What causes Eclampsia?
- The cause of eclampsia is not well understood. Researchers believe the following may play a role:
- Blood vessels
- Brain and nervous system (neurological) factors
- Diet
- Genes
- However, no theories have yet been proven.
- Eclampsia follows preeclampsia, a serious complication of pregnancy that includes high blood pressure and excess and rapid weight gain.
- It is difficult to predict which women with preeclampsia will go on to have seizures.
Who is at highest risk?
Women at high risk for seizures have severe preeclampsia and:
- Abnormal blood tests
- Headaches
- Very high blood pressure
- Vision changes
When to seek urgent medical care?
- Call your health care provider or go to the emergency room if you have any symptoms of eclampsia or preeclampsia.
- Emergency symptoms include seizures or decreased consciousness.
Diagnosis
- The health care provider will do a physical exam and rule out other possible causes of seizures.
- Blood pressure and breathing rate will be checked and monitored.
- Blood and urine tests may be done to check:
Treatment options
- If you have preeclampsia your health care provider should carefully monitor you for signs of worsening and potential eclampsia.
- Delivery is the treatment of choice for severe preeclampsia in an attempt to prevent eclampsia. Delivering the baby relieves the condition. Prolonging the pregnancy can be dangerous to both you and your infant.
- With careful monitoring, the goal is to manage severe cases until 32 - 34 weeks into the pregnancy, and mild cases until 36 - 37 weeks have passed. This helps reduce complications from premature delivery.
- You may be given medicine to prevent seizures (anticonvulsant). Magnesium sulfate is a safe drug for both you and your baby.
- Your doctor may prescribe medication to lower high blood pressure, but you may have to deliver if your blood pressure stays high, even with medication.
Where to find medical care for Eclampsia?
Directions to Hospitals Treating Eclampsia
What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?
Women in the United States rarely die from eclampsia.
Possible complications
- There is a higher risk for separation of the placenta (placenta abruptio) with preeclampsia or eclampsia.
- There may be complications for the baby due to premature delivery.
- A blood clotting abnormality called DIC (disseminated intravascular coagulation) may occur.
Prevention
- It is important for all pregnant women to get early and ongoing medical care. This allows for the early diagnosis and treatment of conditions such as preeclampsia.
- Treating preeclampsia may prevent eclampsia.