A 32-year-old woman had an uncomplicated vaginal delivery 36 hours ago. She presents to the emergency department with a generalized tonic-clonic seizure. Her blood pressure is 155/100 mmHg. What is the most likely diagnosis?

• A Idiopathic epilepsy
• B Hypertensive encephalopathy
• C Cerebral venous thrombosis
• D Postpartum eclampsia ✓

Explanation

Postpartum eclampsia is defined as new-onset seizures in the postpartum period, most commonly occurring within 48 hours after delivery, though it can occur up to 4 weeks postpartum. D history of hypertension and the timing strongly support the diagnosis of postpartum eclampsia.

Reference: Williams Obstetrics, 26th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.