"BABY, BABY I'VE GOT HEADACHE"

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Neurology
• Critical Care Medicine

Background:

• Postpartum eclampsia is a rare but serious condition characterized by seizures in women with pregnancy-induced hypertension.
• Early recognition and management are crucial to prevent maternal and fetal complications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a case of a young woman presenting with postpartum eclampsia manifesting as altered mental status and seizures.
• To emphasize the diagnostic challenges and successful management of this critical obstetric emergency.

Main Methods:

• A case report of a 26-year-old woman with no prior medical history presenting with seizures and severe hypertension one week postpartum.
• Clinical examination, laboratory investigations including toxicology, and imaging (chest X-ray, CT head) were performed.
• Management included admission to the medical intensive care unit, neurological monitoring, and magnesium administration.

Main Results:

• The patient presented with tonic-clonic seizures, altered mental status, and severe hypertension (BP 165/95 mm Hg).
• Laboratory findings revealed significant proteinuria and hematuria. Toxicology and head imaging were unremarkable.
• Following magnesium administration and intensive care, her mental status significantly improved by hospital day two.

Conclusions:

• This case underscores the importance of considering postpartum eclampsia in women presenting with neurological symptoms and hypertension, even without a prior history.
• Timely intervention with magnesium sulfate is critical for seizure control and improving outcomes in postpartum eclampsia.
• Multidisciplinary care in an intensive care setting facilitates effective management of this life-threatening condition.