Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 30, 2026

Dural Stimulation and Periorbital von Frey Testing in Mice As a Preclinical Model of Headache
Published on: July 29, 2021
Late postpartum eclampsia coincident with postdural puncture headache: a case report
Anthony W Winston1, David Norman
1Navy Nurse Corps Anesthesia Program, Naval School of Health Sciences, Portsmouth, Va., USA.
Preeclampsia developed in this patient 4 days' postpartum. Visual changes, headache, and elevated blood pressures were present on arrival to the emergency department. Coincident with the preeclampsia was a postdural puncture headache complicating the diagnosis of late postpartum preeclampsia. Pregnancy-induced hypertension laboratory values were normal, and relief of the postdural headache and visual disturbances was obtained after placement of an epidural blood patch. Blood pressures continued to increase, however, and late postpartum eclampsia developed. We conclude that symptoms of a postdural puncture headache can mimic those of postpartum preeclampsia. Early recognition and treatment of postpartum preeclampsia may decrease patient mortality and morbidity by preventing late postpartum eclampsia.
Preeclampsia developed in this patient 4 days' postpartum. Visual changes, headache, and elevated blood pressures were present on arrival to the emergency department. Coincident with the preeclampsia was a postdural puncture headache complicating the diagnosis of late postpartum preeclampsia. Pregnancy-induced hypertension laboratory values were normal, and relief of the postdural headache and visual disturbances was obtained after placement of an epidural blood patch. Blood pressures continued to increase, however, and late postpartum eclampsia developed. We conclude that symptoms of a postdural puncture headache can mimic those of postpartum preeclampsia. Early recognition and treatment of postpartum preeclampsia may decrease patient mortality and morbidity by preventing late postpartum eclampsia.
Related Concept Videos
Increased Intracranial Pressure l: Introduction
Increased Intracranial Pressure ll: Pathophysiology
Brain Abscess l: Introduction
Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Epidural Anesthesia
Since epidural anesthetics can be infused through an epidural catheter, all types of drugs, including short-acting ones, can be administered. Chloroprocaine and lidocaine are examples of short and long-duration anesthetics, respectively. Bupivacaine...
Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology
