[Neurological Disorders and Pregnancy].

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Obstetrics
• Maternal-Fetal Medicine

Background:

• Pregnancy and puerperium are associated with specific neurological disorders.
• Conditions include Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES), Amniotic Fluid Embolism Syndrome (AFES), postpartum angiopathy, and Sheehan syndrome.
• Hypertensive disorders like preeclampsia, eclampsia, and HELLP syndrome have significant neurological implications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review neurological disorders occurring during pregnancy and the postpartum period.
• To highlight increased frequencies of stroke, thrombosis, and peripheral nerve syndromes.
• To discuss the management of chronic neurological diseases and the teratogenic risks of anticonvulsants.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and synthesis of current knowledge on pregnancy-related neurological conditions.
• Analysis of clinical presentations and diagnostic hallmarks of various syndromes.
• Evaluation of medication safety profiles for neurological conditions during pregnancy.

Main Results:

• PRES is characterized by vision disturbances, including cortical blindness.
• Sheehan syndrome results from pituitary apoplexy due to blood loss, leading to panhypopituitarism.
• Increased incidence of stroke, sinus thrombosis, restless legs syndrome, and carpal tunnel syndrome observed.

Conclusions:

• Neurological complications during pregnancy and postpartum require specialized, interdisciplinary care.
• Anticonvulsant medications pose varying risks for birth defects, with valproic acid being highest risk and lamotrigine/levetiracetam lowest.
• Glatiramer acetate and interferons are considered relatively safe for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) management during pregnancy; other drugs should be avoided.