Eclampsia: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
An eclampsia is a rare, but serious condition that occurs when a pregnant woman experiences seizures because of high blood pressure. It can cause complications for both the patient and the baby, and it requires immediate medical attention. During this post, we will explain what causes eclampsia, how to recognize its symptoms, how to diagnose and treat it, and how to prevent it.
Causes of Eclampsia
In most cases, eclampsia is a complication of preeclampsia, a pregnancy disorder characterized by high blood pressure and urine protein. It is estimated that about 5% of pregnancies are affected by preeclampsia, which typically occurs after the 20th week or after delivery. A placenta, which connects a person to a baby, may be abnormally formed and function in preeclampsia.
High blood pressure from preeclampsia can damage the blood vessels and affect the blood flow to the brain, the kidneys, the liver, and the placenta. This can lead to swelling in the brain, which may trigger seizures. Seizures are episodes of abnormal brain activity that cause shaking, confusion, and loss of consciousness. In addition to bleeding in the brain, epilepsy can also cause death.
There are some factors that may increase the risk of eclampsia, but not all people with eclampsia show signs of preeclampsia beforehand.
-
Being pregnant with multiples (twins, triplets, etc.).
-
Having an autoimmune condition, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.
-
Having a poor diet or obesity.
-
Having diabetes, hypertension, or kidney disease.
-
Being younger than 17 or older than 35 years old.
-
Having a first pregnancy or a family or personal history of preeclampsia or eclampsia.
Symptoms of Eclampsia
The main symptom of eclampsia is having one or more seizures during pregnancy or shortly after delivery. A seizure may last from a few seconds to several minutes, and may be accompanied by:
-
Loss of consciousness.
-
Agitation or confusion.
-
Muscle spasms or stiffness.
-
Difficulty breathing or foaming at the mouth.
-
Loss of bladder or bowel control.
Before having a seizure, some people may experience warning signs, such as:
-
Severe headaches.
-
Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.
-
Nausea or vomiting.
-
Trouble urinating or not urinating often.
-
Abdominal pain, especially on the upper right side.
-
Blurred vision, seeing double, or loss of vision.
-
Swelling of the hands, face, or ankles.
A few people may not experience symptoms or may have mild symptoms that are mistaken for normal pregnancy discomforts. During pregnancy, it is important to monitor your blood pressure and urine regularly and to report any unusual or severe symptoms to your doctor.
Diagnosis of Eclampsia
An eclampsia diagnosis is confirmed when a person with preeclampsia or high blood pressure has a seizure during pregnancy or within 6 weeks of delivery. To confirm the diagnosis, your healthcare provider may conduct some tests, such as:
-
Blood pressure measurement: A blood pressure reading of 140/90 mm Hg or higher on two occasions, four hours apart, is considered high and may indicate preeclampsia or eclampsia.
-
A blood pressure of 140/90 mm Hg or higher on two occasions, four hours apart, el of 300 mg or more in 24 hours is considered abnormal.
-
Test for urine protein: A urine sample may be tested for protein, which indicates kidney damage caused by preeclampsia or eclampsia. A urine protein level of 300 mg or highersia is affecting your organs and blood clotting.
-
A blood sample may be tested for platelets, liver enzymes, creatinine, and other substances that indicate how preeclampsia or eclampsia is affecting your organs and protects your baby in the womb.
-
CT scan or MRI: A CT scan or MRI may be used to check for bleeding or swelling in your brain, which may be caused by eclampsia.
Treatment of Eclampsia
Eclampsia is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment to prevent serious complications for you and your baby. The treatment of eclampsia may include:
-
Anticonvulsants: These are medications that are given to stop or prevent seizures. The most commonly used anticonvulsant for eclampsia is magnesium sulfate, which is given intravenously. It may also lower your blood pressure and protect your baby from brain damage.
-
Medications that lower your blood pressure can increase your risk of stroke, heart failure, and kidney failure. Examples of these medications are labetalol, hydralazine, and nifedipine.
-
When an early delivery is necessary, steroids are given to speed up the maturation of your baby's lungs. In addition to improving your platelets count and liver function, steroids can also be used to treat preeclampsia and eclampsia. Betamethasone and dexamethasone are examples of steroids.
-
Depending on your condition and your baby's gestational age, your healthcare provider may recommend induced labor or a cesarean section (C-section) to treat eclampsia. You may be given medications to help your baby's lungs and brain mature before delivery if it is not fully developed. For specialized care for your baby, you may also be transferred to a hospital that has a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
Prevention of Eclampsia
Eclampsia may not be preventable in some cases, but there are some steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing it, such as:
-
You can detect and treat any problems, such as high blood pressure, early on in your pregnancy if you get regular prenatal care. If you have certain risk factors for preeclampsia or eclampsia, your healthcare provider may prescribe you low-dose aspirin.
-
A healthy lifestyle can help you maintain a normal weight, control your blood sugar, and lower your blood pressure. Eat a balanced diet, exercise moderately, avoid smoking, limit alcohol, and reduce stress.
-
In addition to monitoring your blood pressure and urine at home, you should also be aware of the warning signs of eclampsia and seek medical attention immediately if you experience any of them.
Both you and your baby can suffer from eclampsia. In spite of this, with proper care and treatment, you can have a healthy pregnancy and delivery. If you have any questions or concerns, speak with your healthcare provider. They can provide you with more information and support.
