Evaluation of the Neurological Complaints during Pregnancy and Postpartum

Authors

  • Afshin Borhani-Haghighi 1. Clinical Neurology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran 2. Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
  • Shaghayegh Zafarmand Clinical Neurology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
  • Haniyeh Javanmardi 1. Clinical Neurology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran 2. Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
  • Maryam Ameri Clinical Neurology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
  • Masoud Maneshi Clinical Neurology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
  • Susan Mansouri-Mehrabadi Clinical Neurology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
  • Yasaman Zolghadrasli Clinical Neurology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
  • Mahshad Moazzam Clinical Neurology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
  • Ayda Aramesh Clinical Neurology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31661/gmj.v8i.1616

Keywords:

Neurological Disorders, Pregnancy, Postpartum

Abstract

  • Background: Pregnancy and postpartum are critical periods for patients with neurological complications. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics and outcome of pregnant women with neurological conditions. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study reviewed pregnant women with neurological signs and symptoms, who were registered in the Medical Care Monitoring Center (MCMC) database of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences 2013-15. A questionnaire was designed to record each patient’s information including demographic variables, past medical history, clinical presentation, obstetric profile, and fetal/maternal outcomes. Results: Totally, 332 mothers were registered in the database. The main neurological complaints in our population were headache, seizure, unilateral neurological symptoms, multiple sclerosis, neuromuscular disorder, and brain tumor. More than half of the patients (54%) experienced headache during the pregnancy and postpartum period. Conclusion: Evaluating the neurological disorders separately, based on the time of symptom onset indicates the importance of follow-up of mothers during peripartum. Our findings suggest that decisions for pregnancy in women with neurological disorders should be based on risks outweighing for the mother and the fetus, particularly regarding the pharmacological side effects. [GMJ.2019;8:e1616] 

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Published

2019-12-31

Issue

Vol. 8 (2019): 2019

Section

Short Communication

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https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/