Objective: To define more clearly the neuropathophysiology of eclampsia.
Design: A prospective study relating to computerised cerebral tomography (CAT) scan and electroencephalogram (EEG) findings in eclampsia.
Setting: A large referral centre in a developing society.
Subjects: Thirty-two women with eclampsia.
Main outcome measures: Abnormalities in EEG and CAT scan findings.
Results: Approximately 45% of the women studied had CAT scan abnormalities, while 90% had EEG abnormalities. A burst suppression pattern on EEG examination was found in four women suggesting a temporary dissolution of cerebral function to the midbrain level as the cause of seizures.
Conclusions: EEGs are probably more sensitive than CAT scans in detecting the extent of the pathology in the brain in women with eclampsia.