Intra Cerebral Changes Detected by CT Scan of Brain in Eclampsia

Objective: To evaluate the different neurological changes in brain in eclampsia by CT scan in relation to neurologic symptoms. Method: This is prospective observational study in a tertiary hospital. CT scan of brain is performed within 48 hours of eclampsia after confinement of fetus and after stabilising the mother with standard MgSO4 protocol. The CT scans of brain are performed with 5mm and 10mm section in the axial plain. Results: CT scan of brain shows, 31.6% has cerebral edema, 23.7% have cerebral infract, 7.9% have cerebral haemorrhage, while 36.8% have no detectable findings. Parietal region of the brain is affected in 67% followed by parieto-occipital area (17%), occipital area (8%) and brain stem (8%). 68.4% mothers have headache, 18.4% have visual disturbances, 34.2% have altered sensorium with hyper-reflexia and 36.6% have coma. Conclusion: CT scan of brain in eclampsia can provide useful intra cerebral information and should be done in cases with severe neurologic manifestations, if possible for every eclamptic mother.