Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 13, 2026
07:36
Modeling Encephalopathy of Prematurity Using Prenatal Hypoxia-ischemia with Intra-amniotic Lipopolysaccharide in Rats
Published on: November 20, 2015
Third nerve palsy associated with preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome
Anuntapon Chutatape1, Wendy H L Teoh
1Department of Women's Anesthesia, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, 100 Bukit Timah Road, Singapore, 229899, Singapore, anuntapon@gmail.com.
Journal of Anesthesia
|March 13, 2013
Summary
Preeclampsia can cause cranial nerve palsies, like third nerve palsy presenting as double vision and drooping eyelids. Symptoms resolved after blood pressure normalized, suggesting a link to preeclampsia-related cerebral autoregulation issues.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Obstetrics
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Preeclampsia is a serious pregnancy complication causing multi-organ dysfunction.
- Cranial nerve palsies are rare but significant neurological complications of preeclampsia.
Observation:
- A parturient at 34 weeks gestation with twins presented with third nerve palsy (diplopia, ptosis), hypertension, hyperreflexia, proteinuria, and easy bruising.
- The patient was managed for severe preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome, receiving magnesium sulfate and labetalol.
- Emergent cesarean delivery was performed due to low platelets and airway concerns.
Findings:
- Postoperatively, stroke, aneurysm, and intracranial causes were ruled out.
- The patient's third nerve palsy symptoms resolved as her blood pressure normalized.
- The ocular symptoms are hypothesized to stem from disordered cerebral autoregulation in preeclampsia, involving hyperperfusion or hypoperfusion.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering preeclampsia as a cause of cranial nerve palsies.
- Understanding the mechanisms of preeclamptic neurological complications can improve diagnosis and management.
- Further research into cerebral autoregulation in preeclampsia is warranted to prevent such events.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Spinal Nerves: Plexus I
Nerve plexuses are networks of interlacing nerves that serve as communication hubs to distribute and organize nerve action across various body regions. The nerve plexuses are organized into the cervical plexus located in the neck region, brachial plexus in the shoulder area, lumbar plexus found in the lower back, sacral plexus situated in the pelvis, and coccygeal plexus located in the coccygeal region.
The Cervical Plexus
The cervical plexus, formed by the anterior rami of the first four...
The Cervical Plexus
The cervical plexus, formed by the anterior rami of the first four...
01:29Hepatic Encephalopathy
DefinitionHepatic encephalopathy is a reversible neurologic syndrome that results from advanced liver dysfunction or portosystemic shunting. It leads to disturbances in cognition, behavior, and motor function due to the brain’s exposure to gut-derived toxins that the liver fails to detoxify.EtiologyThis condition develops either in the setting of acute fulminant hepatitis or progressively during chronic liver disease, such as cirrhosis and portal hypertension. Portosystemic shunting—including...
01:29Increased Intracranial Pressure ll: Pathophysiology
Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) refers to a potentially life-threatening rise in pressure inside the skull. This usually happens when there is a major change in the volume of brain tissue, blood, or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) — the three components inside the skull. According to the Monro-Kellie doctrine, if the volume of one component increases, the volumes of the other components must decrease to maintain normal pressure. If this does not happen, ICP rises.The process often begins with...
01:19Mitral Valve Prolapse III: Nursing Management
The nursing management of Mitral Valve Prolapse, or MVP, centers around patient education, symptom monitoring, and lifestyle modifications.Patient Education on MVP Diagnosis and Heredity: Nurses should provide comprehensive education about MVP, a condition where the mitral valve does not close appropriately during heartbeats. This education often includes the condition's pathophysiology, symptoms, and potential complications, like arrhythmias or mitral regurgitation. Though not fully...
01:21Peripheral Arterial Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Evaluation
Clinical manifestationsPeripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) manifests through a range of symptoms, from the characteristic intermittent claudication to atypical presentations and severe complications in advanced stages. Intermittent claudication, a hallmark symptom of PAD, presents as exercise-induced muscle pain that typically resolves within minutes of rest. This pain is reproducible and stems from inadequate blood flow, leading to the accumulation of lactic acid produced during anaerobic...
01:24Nephrotic Syndrome III : Nursing Management
Nursing management for nephrotic syndrome adapts as the disease progresses, with strategies evolving to address advancing symptoms and complications.Early-Stage Management In the early stages, nursing interventions for nephrotic syndrome resemble those used in managing acute glomerulonephritis, focusing on symptom monitoring, fluid balance, and managing mild to moderate edema.Vital Signs: Regularly monitor blood pressure, pulse, respiratory rate, and temperature to promptly identify...