What is a common symptom observed at the onset of eclampsia?

Eclampsia is a severe complication of pregnancy characterized by the onset of seizures in a woman with preeclampsia, which involves hypertension and proteinuria. The hallmark symptom that indicates the onset of eclampsia is the occurrence of seizures, which can vary in form and severity. These seizures can occur without warning and are a direct result of the pathophysiological alterations in the brain due to the elevated blood pressure and cerebral edema associated with severe preeclampsia.

Eclampsia typically develops after preeclampsia, and recognizing the seizures is crucial for prompt medical intervention, which may include stabilizing the patient and delivering the baby if necessary. Other symptoms that are sometimes associated with preeclampsia, such as headaches, visual disturbances, or epigastric pain, may also be present but do not define eclampsia as clearly as seizures do. The immediate recognition of seizures is vital for the health of both the mother and the fetus, underscoring the importance of monitoring pregnant individuals for signs of preeclampsia and eclampsia.