Neurological Illness in Pregnancy: Principles and Practice

This book is a practical and easily readable guide for neurologists, obstetricians, and primary care doctors treating female patients with neurological illness in their reproductive years.Neurological illness before and during pregnancy is reasonably common and much of the care provided for pregnant patients with a neurological illness is through experience and anecdotal treatments. This title consolidates the information available into one concise resource written by a specialist team who deal with pregnant women with neurological issues every day. The most frequent neurological illnesses in women of reproductive age are headache, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis, plus there can be frequent neurological complications for women in pregnancy, including peripheral neuropathies. The text covers these major subspecialties in neurology as well as anesthesia, radiology, and neurosurgical issues that are encountered in pregnancy.The eighteen chapters in this title cover brief descriptions of epidemiology, disease symptoms, evaluation, treatment, and any other special considerations for that topic. Multiple tables and summaries illustrate each topic with a focus on providing the reader with concise, practical information for everyday use. This title: Provides a practical guide to treating female patients with neurological illness in their reproductive years Offers wide ranging coverage, including family planning and lactation Presents information in approachable tables and summaries, focusing on high yield information useful for clinical consultation Is written by a team of experts and edited by recognized leaders in the field An essential resource for all physicians treating patients with neurological disease who are pregnant, or who are planning to become pregnant, and for those interested in women s neurology. In Memory of Dr. Autumn KleinThe creation of this textbook was initiated by Dr. Autumn Klein, a pioneer of Women s Neurology. She developed the format, and carefully chose the authors from an elite group of specialists from across the United States and abroad. She unexpectedly passed away on April 17, 2013 before the completion of the book. In her memory, the authors of the book chose to complete the textbook as a legacy to her passion for the field of Women s Neurology. Autumn is fondly remembered for her selfless devotion to the patients for whom she cared. She made herself available for consultation on obstetrical patients 24/7. It was always reassuring to have her respond to an unexpected neurologic event. She educated her patients about their neurologic disease and about what to expect during pregnancy and motherhood. She collaborated extensively with obstetricians, anesthesiologists, and epilepsy staff to provide comprehensive patient care. With this first edition of Neurologic Illness in Pregnancy we hope that Autumn s vision will be fulfilled and that it will create a legacy that carries on for generations to come.    

Notes on contributors, vi Preface, ix 1 The history and examination, 1Mary A. O Neal 2 Hormonal and physiologic changes in pregnancy, 9Janet F. R. Waters 3 Neuroimaging, 15William T. Delfyett & David T. Fetzer 4 Neurologic complications in the