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Electroencephalogram and computerised cerebral tomography findings in eclampsia
J Moodley1, S M Bobat, M Hoffman
1MRC/UN Pregnancy Hypertension Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Natal, Congella, Republic of South Africa.
Objective:
To define more clearly the neuropathophysiology of eclampsia.
Design:
A prospective study relating to computerised cerebral tomography (CAT) scan and electroencephalogram (EEG) findings in eclampsia.
Setting:
A large referral centre in a developing society.
Subjects:
Thirty-two women with eclampsia.
Main Outcome Measures:
Abnormalities in EEG and CAT scan findings.
Results:
Approximately 45% of the women studied had CAT scan abnormalities, while 90% had EEG abnormalities. A burst suppression pattern on EEG examination was found in four women suggesting a temporary dissolution of cerebral function to the midbrain level as the cause of seizures.
Conclusions:
EEGs are probably more sensitive than CAT scans in detecting the extent of the pathology in the brain in women with eclampsia.