North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) Practice Exam

What type of seizures are typically associated with eclampsia?

1. Absence seizures

2. Complex partial seizures

3. Tonic-clonic seizures

4. Atonic seizures

The correct answer is: Tonic-clonic seizures

Eclampsia is characterized by the occurrence of seizures in a pregnant woman who has preeclampsia, a condition marked by high blood pressure and potential organ dysfunction. The seizures seen in eclampsia are typically tonic-clonic in nature. This means that they involve both a tonic phase, where there is stiffening of the muscles, followed by a clonic phase, characterized by rhythmic jerking movements. Tonic-clonic seizures are generalized seizures that affect the entire body, leading to profound muscle contractions and loss of consciousness. In the context of eclampsia, these seizures can pose significant risks both to the mother and the fetus if not promptly treated. Recognizing that the other seizure types listed are different in their characteristics is important for understanding the unique presentation of seizures in eclampsia. Absence seizures typically involve brief lapses in consciousness without muscular involvement, complex partial seizures involve a loss of awareness and may have unusual automatic movements, and atonic seizures, also known as drop attacks, involve a sudden loss of muscle tone. These characteristics differentiate them from the tonic-clonic seizures associated with eclampsia. Understanding these distinctions is essential for proper diagnosis and management in obstetric care.