[Cerebrovascular accidents and pregnancy]

ABSTRACT

Although cerebrovascular accidents [CVA] during pregnancy and post-partum period constitute a major cause of maternal death, yet it is still not well known. It affect pregnant women essentially in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters and in the post-partum period. We reported here certain clinical, aetiological and therapeutical aspects of CVA in cases of pregnancy and post-partum period. It concerns 8 pregnant or post-partum cases [1.2%] presented with CVA hospitalized in the neurology department [B] between 1998 and 2004. The average age was 33,7 years. Risk factor were represented by oral contraception's [6 cases], multiparity [3 cases] and arterial hypertension [2 cases]. Carotid region affection was found in 75% of cases. The dominent aetiological factor was secondary cerebral thrombophlebitis in one case and one to deficient in protein S in the other. CVA risk does not seem higher than that found in general population. The treatment of CVA during pregnancy and in post-partum period is the same recommended in non pregnant CVA cases