Seizures in the early post-partum period: A diagnostic dilemma.
- Resource Type
- Article
- Authors
- Jamadarkhana, Sunil; Law, Robert C.
- Source
- Indian Journal of Anaesthesia. Mar/Apr2012, Vol. 56 Issue 2, p183-185. 3p. 1 Chart.
- Subject
- *SPASMS
*PUERPERIUM
*HEADACHE
*NAUSEA
*BRAIN concussion diagnosis
*LUMBAR puncture
*TOMOGRAPHY
*MAGNETIC resonance imaging
- Language
- ISSN
- 0019-5049
We discuss the differential diagnosis and management of early post-partum seizures and headache following a presumed dural puncture in a 20-year-old female. She initially presented with generalised tonic-clonic seizures preceded by nausea and headache on the fourth postpartum day along with a decreased Glasgow Coma Scale (8/15). Although clinical and laboratory examination including lumbar puncture, computerized tomography and magnetic resonance imaging were normal, a persistent headache was the only symptom. This headache improved dramatically after an epidural blood patch on the eighth post-partum day. The following discussion emphasises that various causes of post-partum seizures and headache should be considered before attributing it to dural puncture alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]