View source for Eclampsia (patient information)

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{{Eclampsia (patient information)}}

'''Editor-in-Chief:''' [[C. Michael Gibson]], M.S.,M.D. [mailto:charlesmichaelgibson@gmail.com]  Phone:617-632-7753; '''Associate Editor-In-Chief:''' [[Lakshmi Gopalakrishnan]], M.B.B.S.

{{SK}} Toxemia with seizures

==Overview==
Eclampsia is [[Seizure (patient information)|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
:*[[Seizure (patient information)|Seizures]]
:*[[Agitation|Severe agitation]]
:*Unconsciousness

*Symptoms of preeclampsia include:
:*[[Weight gain|Gaining more than 2 pounds per week]]
:*[[Headache (patient information)|Headaches]]
:*[[Nausea and vomiting]]
:*Stomach pain
:*[[Edema|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 [[Pre-eclampsia (patient information)|preeclampsia]], a serious complication of pregnancy that includes [[hypertension (patient information)|high blood pressure]] and excess and rapid [[weight gain]].

*It is difficult to predict which women with  preeclampsia will go on to have [[Seizure (patient information)|seizures]]. 

==Who is at highest risk?==
Women at high risk for [[Seizure (patient information)|seizures]] have severe preeclampsia and:
*Abnormal blood tests
*[[Headache (patient information)|Headaches]]
*[[Hypertension (patient information)|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 (patient information)|preeclampsia]]. 

*Emergency symptoms include [[Seizure (patient information)|seizures]] or decreased consciousness.

==Diagnosis==
*The health care provider will do a physical exam and rule out other possible causes of [[Seizure (patient information)|seizures]]. 

*Blood pressure and breathing rate will be checked and monitored.

*Blood and urine tests may be done to check:
:*[[Coagulation|Blood clotting factors]]
:*[[Creatinine]]
:*[[Hematocrit]]
:*[[Uric acid]]
:*[[LFT|Liver function]]
:*[[Platelet count]]
:*[[Proteinuria|Protein in the urine]]

==Treatment options== 
*If you have [[preeclampsia (patient information)|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 [[Hypertension (patient information)|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?== 

[http://maps.google.com/maps?q={{urlencode:{{#if:{{{1|}}}|{{{1}}}|map+top+hospital+Eclampsia}}}}&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&hl=en&tab=wl 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 ([[Placental abruption (patient information)|placenta abruptio]]) with [[preeclampsia (patient information)|preeclampsia]] or eclampsia. 

*There may be complications for the baby due to [[premature delivery]].

*A blood clotting abnormality called DIC ([[Disseminated intravascular coagulation (patient information)|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 (patient information)|preeclampsia]] may prevent eclampsia.

==Source==
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000899.htm

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[[Category:Disease]]
[[Category:Obstetrics]]
[[Category:Medical emergencies]]
[[Category:Emergency medicine]]
[[Category:Patient information]]