|
|
Eclampsia
Alternate Names : Toxemia with Seizures
DefinitionEclampsia is the occurrence of seizures (not attributed to another cause) during pregnancy (usually after the 20th week).
Pictures & Images
 See all Pictures & Images
Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
The cause of eclampsia is not well understood. Eclampsia may follow pre-eclampsia, if that condition cannot be brought under control. Pre-eclampsia is a serious condition which occurs during pregnancy and is marked by high blood pressure, weight gain, and protein in the urine.
It is difficult to predict which pre-eclamptic women may go on to have seizures -- the hallmark of eclampsia. There is poor correlation between the degree of hypertension present in pre-eclampsia and the ultimate occurrence of seizures.
The exact cause of pre-eclampsia has not been identified. Numerous theories of potential causes range from genetic, dietary, vascular (blood vessel), and neurological factors. None of the theories has yet been proven.
Pre-eclampsia occurs in approximately 5% of all pregnancies. The incidence of eclampsia is approximately 1 out of 2000 to 3000 pregnancies. An increased risk for pre-eclampsia is associated with first time pregnancies, teenage pregnancies or mothers older than 40 years, African-American women, multiple pregnancies, and women with a history of diabetes, hypertension, or renal (kidney) disease.
Today's Top News Stories | • | Falls Are Top Cause of Injury, Death Among Elderly - Jul 19, 2008, 09:00
Not all homes are the same, but common sense measures can reduce the risk, expert says. | • | Heart Blood Vessels Grown in the Lab - Jul 18, 2008, 19:00
Could offer a future alternative to bypass surgery, researchers say. | • | Clinical Trials Update: July 18, 2008 - Jul 18, 2008, 09:24
- Breast Cancer
- Hot Flashes
- Emphysema
| • | Loud Music in Bars Hastens Drinking - Jul 18, 2008, 16:00
French researchers say blasting tunes makes patrons down more alcohol in less time. | • | Breast-Fed Babies Have Fewer GI Infections - Jul 18, 2008, 17:00
But they're more likely to be iron-deficient, study finds. |
|
Jump to another section
• Definition
• Eclampsia Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
• Eclampsia Symptoms & Signs
• Eclampsia Prevention
• Eclampsia Diagnosis & Tests
• Eclampsia Treatment
• Eclampsia Prognosis
• Eclampsia Complications
• Calling Your Health Care Provider
• Pictures & Images
Topics that might be of interest to you Diseases & Conditions
• Diabetes
• HELLP Syndrome
• Hypertension
• Placenta Abruptio
• Preeclampsia
• Premature Infant
• Pulmonary Edema
• Thrombocytopenia
Tests & Exams
• Blood Differential
• Blood Pressure
• CBC
• Creatinine - Serum
• Hematocrit (HCT)
• Liver Function Tests
• Platelet Count
• Protein - Urine
• Serum Chloride
• Ultrasound
Other Topics
• Agitation
• Breathing - Slowed or Stopped
• Chronic
• Consciousness - Decreased
• Foot, Leg, and Ankle Swelling
• Headache
• High Blood Pressure
• Incidence
• Protein in Diet
• Renal
• Respiratory
• Seizures
• Swelling
• Unconsciousness - First Aid
• Weight Gain - Unintentional
Review Date : 5/21/2002
Reviewed By : Peter Chen, M.D., Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
|
|
