17/08/2025
A research study examined blood-brain barrier injury and neuroinflammation in women with preeclampsia and eclampsia, comparing them to those with normal pregnancies. This comparison helps us better understand the associated neurological risks.
Women with eclampsia had much higher levels of certain proteins and signals in their brain fluid, showing that their brains were more inflamed. Women with preeclampsia also had changes, but not as strong. Women with preeclampsia who show early signs of blood-brain barrier damage and inflammation might suggest they are at a higher risk of progressing to eclampsia. This study indicates that eclampsia can damage the brain’s protective barrier and cause serious brain inflammation. This may help explain why women with eclampsia have seizures or brain injuries.
Neuroinflammation and damage to the blood-brain barrier likely happen together and are triggered by problems in the blood vessels and changes in inflammatory responses. This resembles what occurs in various neurodegenerative diseases, such as traumatic brain injuries, stroke, and Alzheimer’s.
TAKE HOME MESSAGE: Women who have eclampsia suffer from swelling to the brain and damage to its protective barrier. Healthcare providers should regularly follow up with women who have experienced eclampsia or postpartum eclampsia to monitor for any lasting brain or nerve problems. This is critical to ensure these women get the long-term support they need. Patients should also monitor any long-term neurological symptoms such as new or worsening migraines, epilepsy, confusion, or “brain fog” and inform their providers about their pregnancy history.
Read more here: https://preeclampsia.org/the-news/research/can-preeclampsia-or-eclampsia-cause-brain-injury
