Eclampsia

Definition

Eclampsia is seizures (convulsions) in a pregnant woman that are not related to brain conditions.

See also: Preeclampsia

Alternative Names

Causes

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 preeclampsia, a serious complication of pregnancy that includes high blood pressure and excess and rapid weight gain.

It is difficult to predict which women with preeclampsia will go on to have seizures. Women at high risk for seizures have severe preeclampsia and:

• Abnormal blood tests
• Headaches
• Very high blood pressure
• Vision changes

Eclampsia occurs in about 1 out of every 2,000 to 3,000 pregnancies. The following increase a woman's chance for getting preeclampsia:

• Being 35 or older
• Being African American
• First pregnancy
• History of diabetes, high blood pressure, or kidney (renal) disease
• Multiple pregnancies (twins, triplets, etc.)
• Teenage pregnancy

References

ACOG Practice Bulletin Committee. Diagnosis and management of preeclampsia and eclampsia. Obstet Gynecol. 2002 Jan;99(1):159-67.

Gabbe SG, Niebyl JR, Simpson JL. Obstetrics - Normal and Problem Pregnancies. 4th ed. New York, NY: Churchill Livingstone; 2002:974-983.