Diagnosis of Acute Neurologic Emergencies in Pregnant and Postpartum Women.

Acute neurologic symptoms in pregnant and postpartum women may be caused by exacerbation of a preexisting neurologic condition, the initial presentation of a non-pregnancy-related problem, or a new neurologic problem. Pregnant and postpartum patients with headache and neurologic symptoms are often diagnosed with preeclampsia or eclampsia; however, other etiologies must also be considered. A team approach with close communication between emergency physicians, neurologists, maternal-fetal medicine specialists, and radiologists is the key to obtaining best outcomes. This article reviews the clinical features and differential diagnosis of acute serious neurologic conditions in pregnancy and the puerperium, focusing on diagnosis.