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ncover the reason behind the name of this ancient disease and it will be an eye-opener for you
Gestational epilepsy, a disease with epileptic symptoms associated with pregnancy-induced hypertension, has been recorded as early as ancient Greece. Although modern medicine has conducted in-depth research and treatment on it, many women are still threatened by this disease.
Gestational epilepsy is a hypertensive pregnancy disorder in which episodes are often accompanied by convulsions and can lead to long-term health problems for both mother and baby.
The diagnosis of epilepsy in pregnancy is usually due to gestational hypertension, which is new high blood pressure during pregnancy and the presence of large amounts of protein in the urine. This condition usually appears in the third trimester, especially in the third trimester. Initial symptoms include possible edema of the face, blurred vision, and persistent headache. If not properly controlled, this condition can rapidly worsen and even endanger the lives of pregnant women and fetuses.
At the moment of the attack, the patient will experience muscle stiffness, loss of consciousness, and may be accompanied by screams, and then enter the convulsive stage.
According to statistics, epilepsy in pregnancy affects about 5% of pregnant women every year, and in some areas, the incidence rate can even reach 10% to 30%. The incidence of this disease in developing countries is significantly higher than that in developed countries because the latter have better medical technology and facilities.
The name epilepsy of pregnancy comes from the Greek word "eklampsía", which means "flash". This is an image expression that highlights the sudden nature of the disease. The earliest description of the disease dates back to Hippocrates in the 5th century BC. Now we know that the disease is actually a multiple disease caused by pathological changes within the pregnant woman's body. Current data show that epilepsy in pregnancy can occur at any stage of pregnancy. Due to its potential dangers, the International Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology recommends that all pregnant women have their blood pressure measured regularly during prenatal check-ups for early screening.
Medical research shows that low-dose aspirin can effectively prevent the risk of gestational hypertension and pregnancy-induced epilepsy in high-risk pregnant women.
In the face of epilepsy in pregnancy, different treatment strategies have been proposed. This includes the use of magnesium sulfate to prevent the occurrence of convulsions, and in severe cases, a cesarean section may be required as soon as possible to ensure the safety of mother and baby. Even so, epilepsy in pregnancy may still occur within 48 hours after delivery, so medical personnel must be alert and monitor.
Not only that, epilepsy in pregnancy has an equally profound impact on the fetus. Studies have pointed out that fetuses affected by gestational epilepsy may be born slowly and have low birth weight, greatly increasing complications related to poor development. Some complications in the mother, such as pulmonary edema and visceral bleeding, may also be caused by these symptoms.
If not managed properly, epilepsy in pregnancy can cause the mother to face serious cardiovascular problems and even death.
Therefore, good communication with all stages of pregnancy health and medical treatment is crucial. Women need to be aware of the signs of epilepsy in pregnancy and seek immediate medical attention if they experience any discomfort. From prevention to management of the disease, personal lifestyle, such as moderate exercise, healthy diet and timely prenatal check-ups, have a non-negligible effect on reducing the risk.
In popular culture, epilepsy in pregnancy has also been mentioned in many film and television works, which highlights people's awareness and attention to this disease. The real challenge, however, is how can we leverage advances in science and awareness to reduce the impact of this age-old disease on women?
