Seizures in pregnancy are characteristic of which condition?

• A. Eclampsia
• B. Preeclampsia
• C. Placenta Previa
• D. Abruptio Placenta

Answer: (B)

Seizures during pregnancy are most characteristic of eclampsia, which is the progression of preeclampsia to the point of convulsions. Preeclampsia is new-onset hypertension after 20 weeks of gestation, often with proteinuria or signs of organ dysfunction. When seizures occur in that setting, the diagnosis becomes eclampsia. Placenta previa and placental abruption involve placental issues that cause abnormal bleeding patterns, not seizures. The seizures in eclampsia are believed to arise from severe hypertension with cerebral edema or vasospasm and endothelial dysfunction. Management centers on stabilizing the mother with magnesium sulfate to prevent seizures and controlling blood pressure, with delivery when feasible to resolve the condition.