Eclampsia

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Preeclampsia

Eclampsia is the occurence of seizures (convulsions) in a pregnant woman. The seizures are unrelated to brain conditions and usually happen after the 20th week of pregnancy.

See also: Preeclampsia

Toxemia with seizures

The cause of eclampsia is not well understood. Researchers believe a person's genes, diet, blood vessels, and neurological factors may play a role. However, no theories have yet been proven.

Eclampsia follows preeclampsia, a serious complication of pregnancy marked by high blood pressure, weight gain, and protein in the urine.

It is difficult to predict which women with preeclampsia will go on to have seizures. Women with very high blood pressure, headaches, vision changes, or abnormal blood tests have severe preeclampsia and are at high risk for seizures.

The rate of eclampsia is approximately 1 out of 2000 to 3000 pregnancies. The following increase a woman's chance for preeclampsia: 

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

Review Date: 05/15/2006
Reviewed By: Melanie N. Smith, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMedHealthcare Network.