ABSTRACT

We investigated the relationship between electroencephalographic (EEG) findings and clinical and neuroradiological findings in eclamptic and preeclamptic patients. P a tients and Methods: Twenty-six preeclamptic (mean age 32.7 years) and 12 eclamptic patients (mean age 26.8 years) underwent electroencephalographic and cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies on the same day. Patients who exhibited pathological findings were further examined by EEG and MRI one and six months later. Results: Seven preeclamptic (27%) and 10 eclamptic (83%) patients had abnormal EEG findings, which included slowing of background activity (6 preeclamptic, 8 eclamptic) and sharp and spike waves (1 preeclamptic, 5 eclamptic). There was a significant diff e r e n c e between the two groups with regard to abnormal EEGs (p<0.05). EEGs returned to normal in 16 patients within one month, and in one patient within six months. Cranial MRI revealed abnormal findings in 11 eclamptic (92%) and five preeclamptic (19%) patients. Both EEG and cranial MRI findings were abnormal in 10 eclamptic (83%) and four preeclamptic (15%) patients. Con c l u s i o n : Because of coexistent abnormal findings, both EEG and cranial MRI should be used for diagnosis and follow-up of eclamptic patients.

Keywords: Convulsions/physiopathology, eclampsia/physiopathology, electroencephalography, magnetic resonance imaging, pre-eclampsia/physiopathology, pregnancy