Neurology of Preeclampsia and Related Disorders: an Update in Neuro-obstetrics

AbstractPurpose of ReviewPreeclampsia and related hypertensive disorders of pregnancy affect up to 10% of pregnancies. Neurological complications are common and neurologists often become involved in the care of obstetric patients with preeclampsia. Here, we review the definition(s), epidemiology, clinical features, and pathophysiology of preeclampsia, focusing on maternal neurological complications and headache as a common presenting symptom of preeclampsia.Recent FindingsNeurological symptoms are early and disease-defining features of preeclampsia. Neurological complications of preeclampsia may include headaches, visual symptoms, cerebral edema, seizures, or acute cerebrovascular disorders such as intracerebral hemorrhage or reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome. A history of migraine is an independent risk factor for vascular diseases during pregnancy, including preeclampsia and maternal stroke. The pathophysiology of both preeclampsia and migraine is complex, and the mechanisms linking the two are not fully understood. Overlapping clinical and pathophysiological features of migraine and preeclampsia include inflammation, vascular endothelial dysfunction, and changes in vasoreactivity.SummaryNeurological complications are recognized as a major contributor to maternal morbidity and mortality. Pregnant and postpartum women commonly present with headache, and red flags in the clinical history and examination should prompt urgent neuroimaging and laboratory evaluation. ...
Source: Current Pain and Headache Reports - Category: Neurology Source Type: research