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ENCYCLOPEDIA INDEX
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A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Eclampsia

Overview Symptoms Treatment Prevention
Alternative Names:
Toxemia with seizures
Symptoms:
ECLAMPSIA
  • Seizures
  • Severe agitation
  • Unconsciousness for a variable period of time
  • possible musculoskeletal aches and pains after an event caused by trauma
PREECLAMPSIA
  • Nondependent edema (swelling of the hands and face which is present upon arising). Some dependent edema -- that is, swelling of the feet and ankles -- is considered normal with pregnancy.
  • Unintentional weight gain in excess of 2 pounds per week. It may be a very sudden gain over 1 to 2 days.
  • Headache which is resistant to treatment with usual pain medications.
  • Visual disturbances.
  • Epigastric or upper abdominal pain.
Signs and tests:

ECLAMPSIA

  • Involuntary movements (tonic-clonic seizures) occur.
  • The relaxation phase of deep-tendon reflexes may be prolonged.
  • Breathing (respiration) may cease for brief periods (apnea).
  • Physical evidence of trauma may be noted.
  • Infrequently, an eye examination may note retinal changes caused by hypertension.

PREECLAMPSIA

  • Documented weight gain occurs.
  • Nondependent edema occurs.
  • Blood pressure is high (140/90 millimeters mercury or greater) Protein is noted in urine (proteinuria).
  • The platelet count is less than 100,000/FL (thrombocytopenia).
  • Liver function tests are elevated.

Eclampsia or preeclampsia may also alter the results of the following tests:

Preeclampsia
Preeclampsia
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