Systemic Thromboembolism in Pregnancy: Cerebrovascular Disease

Abstract

Stroke is a neurological emergency and one of the most common causes of long-term disability and death. Although stroke is rare at a younger age, the normal physiologic changes associated with pregnancy, combined with some of the pathophysiological processes unique to pregnancy, predispose women to develop stroke during pregnancy and the puerperium. This chapter reviews the mechanisms and risk factors for cerebrovascular disease related to pregnancy, the presenting features, diagnosis and management of these disorders, and their implications for pregnancy and delivery.