By Renova Hospitals
November 21, 2025
Eclampsia: Causes, Symptoms, Stages & Emergency Treatment at Renova Hospitals Hyderabad
Eclampsia is one of the most dangerous complications in pregnancy, involving the sudden onset of seizures in a person with preeclampsia. These seizures, known as an eclamptic seizure, are not related to epilepsy and indicate severe neurological irritation due to high blood pressure and widespread vascular injury.
Understanding what is eclampsia, recognising early warning signs, knowing the stages of eclampsia, and ensuring immediate hospital care are essential to protect both mother and baby.
Renova Hospital’s Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Obstetrics, Critical Care, and Neonatology teams work together to deliver rapid, precise care for all forms of eclampsia during pregnancy, including antepartum eclampsia (seizures before delivery), intrapartum seizures, and postpartum eclampsia.
What Is Eclampsia?
Eclampsia occurs when preeclampsia, a dangerous condition involving high blood pressure, protein leakage, swelling, and organ strain, progresses to seizures. These seizures happen because the brain becomes overwhelmed by swelling, vessel dysfunction, and sudden severe hypertension.
In simple medical understanding:
Preeclampsia progresses to imminent eclampsia → culminating in seizures (eclampsia).
Eclampsia can occur at any time in the latter half of pregnancy or after childbirth. It can develop with clear warning signs, but in many cases, the seizure is the first and only symptom.
How Eclampsia Develops: Pathophysiology Explained
Eclampsia is not a random event; it is the outcome of a long chain of abnormalities involving the placenta, blood vessels, immune responses, and brain.
Before listing them, it’s essential to understand that the root cause begins in the placenta, not the brain.
How Eclampsia Develops
- Abnormal placental blood vessels restrict blood flow
- The placenta becomes stressed and releases toxic inflammatory proteins
- These proteins damage the inner lining of blood vessels
- Blood vessels throughout the body become constricted and leaky
- Blood pressure increases dramatically
- The brain becomes swollen and irritated
- Electrical activity becomes unstable
- A seizure occurs
This cascade shows why treating blood pressure early in pregnancy is crucial to prevent eclampsia.
Eclampsia Causes
The causes of eclampsia are complex, involving placental dysfunction and maternal vascular inflammation.
Major Eclampsia Causes Include:
- Severe preeclampsia progression
- Abnormal placental development
- Poor blood flow to the placenta
- Maternal immune response problems
- Genetic predisposition
- Inflammatory damage to blood vessels
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure
These eclampsia causes interact silently during pregnancy, which is why antenatal checkups are essential.
Risk Factors of Eclampsia
Some individuals are at much higher risk of developing eclampsia.
High-Risk Groups Include:
- First-time pregnancies
- Multiple pregnancy (twins, triplets)
- History of hypertension
- Kidney disease
- Diabetes
- Autoimmune disorders
- Teen pregnancies
- Advanced maternal age
- Obesity
- Family history of preeclampsia
- Limited or irregular prenatal care
Identifying these risk factors of eclampsia helps doctors prepare preventive strategies early.
Stages of Eclampsia
Eclampsia progresses through predictable physiological stages. Understanding these stages helps identify early danger signs.
1. Preeclampsia
Characterised by:
- Elevated blood pressure
- Protein in urine
- Swelling
- Mild headaches or discomfort
2. Severe Preeclampsia
More intense and dangerous, includes:
- Very high blood pressure
- Intense headaches
- Visual disturbances
- Liver pain
- Fluid retention
- Breathlessness
3. Impending Eclampsia / Imminent Eclampsia
This is the most crucial stage to identify, as seizures may occur at any moment.
Symptoms of Impending Eclampsia Include:
- Excruciating headache
- Confusion or restlessness
- Very brisk reflexes
- Severe vision disturbances
- Intense upper abdominal pain
- Persistent nausea
- Facial swelling
- Feeling “unwell” or “not right”
Recognising imminent or impending eclampsia can prevent seizures entirely if treated in time.
4. Eclamptic Seizure
A full-body tonic-clonic convulsion resulting from severe brain irritation.
5. Post-Eclamptic Phase
Symptoms include:
- Confusion
- Deep sleep
- Temporary breathing issues
- Risk of repeat seizures
Understanding all stages of eclampsia helps clinicians intervene at the earliest sign of progression.
Warning Signs of Eclampsia
Eclampsia can give subtle signals before a seizure occurs.
Warning Signs Include:
- Persistent headache
- Light sensitivity
- Flashing lights or blurred vision
- Facial or hand swelling
- Sudden weight changes
- Shortness of breath
- Sharp abdominal pain under ribs
- Nausea and vomiting
- Reduced fetal movements
These early eclampsia symptoms should never be ignored, even if mild.
Signs of Eclampsia During a Seizure
When an eclampsia patient is experiencing a seizure, the symptoms are dramatic and life-threatening.
Signs of an Eclamptic Seizure:
- Full-body convulsions
- Jerking movements
- Loss of consciousness
- Foaming at the mouth
- Tongue biting
- Temporary breathing pause
- Restlessness after seizure
An eclamptic seizure requires immediate medical attention to prevent brain damage or cardiac arrest.
What is the Difference between Preeclampsia and Eclampsia?
To understand severity, one must understand the eclampsia preeclampsia difference:
- Preeclampsia → High BP + organ strain
- Eclampsia → Preeclampsia + Seizures
Eclampsia is a severe form of preeclampsia that causes seizures. It’s considered a complication of preeclampsia, but it can happen without signs of preeclampsia. These seizures can cause confusion and disorientation or put the pregnant woman in a coma.
In some cases, it can lead to stroke or death. In most cases, preeclampsia is managed before it progresses to eclampsia. Eclampsia is the final and most dangerous stage of uncontrolled preeclampsia.
In some cases, it can lead to stroke or death. In most cases, preeclampsia is managed before it progresses to eclampsia. Eclampsia is the final and most dangerous stage of uncontrolled preeclampsia.
Complications of Eclampsia
Eclampsia affects nearly every organ system.
Maternal Complications of Eclampsia Include:
- Stroke
- Brain swelling
- Heart failure
- Kidney failure
- Liver injury
- Placental abruption
- Vision loss
- Multi-organ failure
- Coma
Fetal Complications Include:
- Restricted growth
- Oxygen deprivation
- Preterm delivery
- Stillbirth
Understanding the complications of eclampsia highlights why timely treatment is essential.
Eclampsia Diagnosis
Diagnosis of eclampsia is based primarily on clinical presentation, seizures in the setting of pregnancy or postpartum hypertension.
Key Aspects of Eclampsia Diagnosis Include:
- Blood pressure assessment
- Evaluation of consciousness
- Protein in urine
- Liver and kidney function tests
- Platelet counts
- Ultrasound to assess fetal well-being
- Brain imaging if complications are suspected
Eclampsia diagnosis focuses on stabilising the patient while simultaneously determining organ involvement.
Nursing Diagnosis for Eclampsia
Nursing care is fundamental in managing eclampsia safely.
Common Nursing Diagnosis for Eclampsia:
- Risk for injury related to seizures
- Ineffective airway clearance
- Altered cerebral perfusion
- Risk for aspiration
- Fluid imbalance
- Anxiety and fear
- Risk of impaired fetal perfusion
- Ineffective breathing pattern
A structured nursing diagnosis for eclampsia improves safety and helps prevent complications.
Medical Management of Eclampsia
Management aims to protect the mother and baby while stopping seizures and stabilising blood pressure.
1. Seizure Control – Magnesium Sulphate
Magnesium sulphate is universally recognised as the safest and most effective medication for controlling seizures in eclampsia.
Administration of Magnesium Sulphate
- First, a loading infusion is given intravenously to stop seizure activity.
- This is followed by a continuous maintenance infusion administered at a steady, controlled pace.
- The treatment continues for a fixed period after the last seizure to prevent recurrence.
Monitoring During Treatment
Healthcare providers continuously observe:
- Reflexes
- Breathing
- Urine output
- Consciousness
If any signs of toxicity are noted, the infusion is adjusted immediately.
2. Blood Pressure Stabilisation
Medications are used to reduce blood pressure to safe levels gradually.
These drugs:
- Improve blood vessel relaxation
- Reduce stroke risk
- Improve blood flow to organs
- Decrease risk of placental abruption
BP control is always done slowly and carefully.
3. Airway & Breathing Support
During and after an eclamptic seizure:
- The patient is positioned on her left side
- Oxygen is provided
- Suction is used if needed
- Breathing is monitored continuously
- Assisted ventilation may be provided if necessary
These steps prevent aspiration and protect brain function.
4. Fluid & Organ Support
Eclampsia affects multiple organs, so treatment involves:
- Controlled IV fluids
- Continuous maternal vital monitoring
- Round-the-clock fetal monitoring
- Regular organ function tests
This helps prevent fluid overload, kidney injury, and complications.
5. Delivery of the Baby
Delivery is the ultimate treatment, but only after the mother is stable.
Doctors evaluate:
- Maternal condition
- Fetal status
- Cervical readiness
The safest mode of delivery is chosen accordingly.
Outlook / Prognosis of Eclampsia
What can I expect if I have eclampsia?
With immediate treatment, most women recover fully. Stabilising seizures and blood pressure significantly reduces complications. Recovery depends on how quickly treatment is initiated.
How do I take care of myself?
- Attend all prenatal appointments
- Monitor blood pressure at home
- Report any headaches, swelling, or vision changes
- Take prescribed medications regularly
- Follow postpartum monitoring instructions
Renova Hospitals Hyderabad: Expert Care for Eclampsia Patients
Renova Hospitals offers emergency care for severe hypertension in pregnancy, preeclampsia & eclampsia, HELLP syndrome and postpartum hypertensive crises.
Our units in Banjara Hills, Secunderabad, Kompally, and Warangal provide 24×7 obstetric emergency support, ICU/HDU care, and advanced fetal monitoring.
FAQs
1. Can eclampsia occur without warning?
Yes. Sometimes a seizure is the first sign, which makes early monitoring essential.
2. Is postpartum eclampsia possible?
Yes. It can occur days or even weeks after childbirth.
3. What treats eclampsia seizures?
Magnesium sulphate is the safest and most effective medication.
4. Can eclampsia harm the baby?
If untreated, yes, it can cause oxygen deprivation or preterm birth.
5. Can eclampsia be prevented?
Most cases can be prevented with reasonable blood pressure control and early detection of preeclampsia.
