Is eclampsia the same as hypertension in pregnancy?
May 23, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lv Aiming
Introduction
In general, eclampsia is a type of hypertensive disorder of pregnancy. Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy include eclampsia, preeclampsia, gestational hypertension, chronic hypertension with superimposed preeclampsia, and chronic hypertension in pregnancy. Among these, eclampsia is a relatively severe condition, characterized by seizures that cannot be attributed to other causes and occur on the basis of preeclampsia.
Generally, eclampsia is a type of hypertensive disorder that occurs during pregnancy. The specific analysis is as follows:
Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy include eclampsia, preeclampsia, gestational hypertension, chronic hypertension with superimposed preeclampsia, and chronic hypertension complicating pregnancy. Among these, eclampsia is a more severe condition characterized by the onset of seizures that cannot be attributed to other causes, occurring on the basis of preeclampsia. A typical seizure begins with fixed eyeballs, dilated pupils, head turning to one side, clenched jaw, facial twitching, followed by tonic contraction of muscles throughout the body and limbs (more pronounced on the dorsal than ventral side). The body then rapidly develops intense convulsions. During the seizure, breathing stops, the skin turns cyanotic, and gradually the intensity of convulsions decreases. This is followed by relaxation of all muscles, a deep inhalation, a snoring sound, and restoration of respiration. Consciousness may be lost immediately before or during the seizure.
Severe eclampsia can endanger the lives of both the pregnant woman and the fetus. If a patient exhibits related symptoms, it is recommended to promptly seek care at a specialized medical facility for accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment.
