1. Seizures in the early post-partum period: A diagnostic dilemma.
- Author
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Jamadarkhana, Sunil and Law, Robert C.
- Subjects
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SPASMS , *PUERPERIUM , *HEADACHE , *NAUSEA , *BRAIN concussion diagnosis , *LUMBAR puncture , *TOMOGRAPHY , *MAGNETIC resonance imaging - Abstract
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]
- Published
- 2012
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