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Eclampsia
Medical Questions » Eclampsia
| Name: Eclampsia |
| Also known as: |
| A rare but very serious disease that occurs only in pregnancy. Very rare in developed countries because most women undertake regular antenatal visits. Pre-eclampsia is a condition that precedes eclampsia, and this is detected in about 10% of all pregnant women. The correct treatment of preeclampsia prevents eclampsia. |
Causes of Eclampsia
The exact cause is unknown but may be due to the production of abnormal quantities of hormones by the placenta. More common in first pregnancies, twins and diabetes, and normally develops in the last three months of pregnancy, but may not develop until labor commences. |
Symptoms of Eclampsia
Not until pre-eclampsia is well established does the patient develop the symptoms of headache, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and disturbances of vision. Eclampsia causes convulsions, coma, strokes, heart attacks and death of the baby. |
Tests for Eclampsia
Excess protein is found in the urine. Doctors diagnose preeclampsia by noting high blood pressure, swollen ankles and excessive weight gain (fluid retention). |
Treatment for Eclampsia
Pre-eclampsia is treated by strict bed rest, drugs to lower blood pressure and remove excess fluid, sedatives, and in severe cases, early delivery of the baby. Eclampsia is treated by the emergency delivery of the baby, usually by cesarean section.
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Complications of Eclampsia of its treatment
Death of the mother is possible if pregnancy is not terminated quickly. |
Likely Outcome of Eclampsia
Full recovery probable for mother if treated correctly. Baby is at high risk. |
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