Eclampsia

Eclampsia (Greek for "shining forth") is an acute and life-threatening complication of pregnancy, characterized by the appearance of tonic–clonic seizures, usually in a patient who has developed pre-eclampsia. (Pre-eclampsia and eclampsia are collectively called "hypertensive disorder of pregnancy" and "toxemia of pregnancy".) Eclampsia includes seizures and coma that happen during pregnancy but are not due to pre-existing or organic brain disorders.

Causes

Eclampsia often follows preeclampsia, which is characterized by the appearance of high blood pressure after the 20th week of pregnancy. If your preeclampsia worsens and affects your brain, causing seizures or a coma, you have developed eclampsia. Doctors do not know what causes preeclampsia. The following explains how conditions of preeclampsia can cause the neurological problems of eclampsia.

• High Blood Pressure : Preeclampsia can cause your blood pressure (the force of blood against the walls of your arteries) to become high enough to damage your arteries and other blood vessels. This damage may restrict blood flow and produce swelling in the blood vessels of your organs, including your brain. If this swelling interferes with your brain’s ability to function, seizures may occur.
• Proteinuria : Preeclampsia commonly affects kidney function. Protein in your urine (proteinuria) is a key sign of the condition. Your kidneys filter waste from your blood but retain beneficial nutrients—such as protein—in the blood to be redistributed to your body. If the kidneys’ filters (glomeruli) become damaged, protein can leak through these filters and be excreted into your urine.

Risk Factors

• If you have or have had severe preeclampsia, you may be at risk for eclampsia.
• having hypertension (high blood pressure)
• having headaches
• being over age 35
• being under age 20
• being pregnant with twins
• being pregnant for the first time
• having a history of poor diet or malnutrition
• having diabetes or another condition that affects your blood vessels

Home remedies

• See : Pre-eclampsia
• Alfalfa juice is a potent herbal treatment for Eclampsia.

Warnings

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 alertness. Seek medical care right away if you have any of the following:

• Bright red vaginal bleeding
• Little or no movement in the baby
• Severe headache
• Severe pain in the upper right abdominal pain
• Vision loss
• Nausea or vomiting.

Medical Disclaimer

This information is not meant to be substituted for medical advice. Always consult a medical professional regarding any medical problems and before undertaking any treatment or dietary changes.