eclampsia

noun

eclamp·​sia i-ˈklam(p)-sē-ə 

: a convulsive state

especially : an attack of convulsions during pregnancy or childbirth

eclamptic

i-ˈklam(p)-tik 

adjective

Examples of eclampsia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In late December, doctors at the al-Aqsa Hospital, 11 miles to the north, received a pregnant woman whose high blood pressure caused eclampsia and bleeding to her brain, according to Deborah Harrington, a British obstetrician who volunteered at the hospital with a Medical Aid for Palestinians team. —Hajar Harb, Washington Post, 21 Jan. 2024

The complications, known as severe maternal morbidity, include unexpected and life-threatening events such as heart attacks, dangerously high blood pressure known as eclampsia, and extreme situations requiring life-saving interventions including the use of ventilators. —Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, 12 July 2023

Her autopsy showed evidence of eclampsia, but many don't know about this dangerous condition. —Emily Nadal, Parents, 12 July 2023

Though eclampsia can occur with or without the presence of preeclampsia symptoms, addressing signs of preeclampsia if they are identified is vital to preventing more potentially dangerous outcomes from eclampsia. —Emily Nadal, Parents, 22 June 2023

Felix is familiar with eclampsia; she was diagnosed with severe preeclampsia before giving birth to her daughter, Camryn, in 2018. —Tom Schad, USA TODAY, 16 June 2023

According to the autopsy, possible complications contributing to Bowie’s death included respiratory distress and eclampsia—seizures brought on by preeclampsia, a high blood pressure disorder that can occur during pregnancy. —Allyson Felix, Time, 15 June 2023

Here's what to know about some serious and potentially life-threatening complications in labor: What is eclampsia? —Sara Moniuszko, CBS News, 13 June 2023

Pregnant women over the age of 35 are at a higher risk of pre-eclampsia. —Amanda Musa, CNN, 7 Apr. 2023

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin, from Greek éklampsis "violent onset, sudden development" (from eklámpein "to shine out, burst forth violently"—from ek- ec- + lámpein "to give light, shine"— + -sis -sis) + New Latin -ia -ia entry 1 — more at lamp

Note: In reference to a complication of pregnancy, short for New Latin eclampsia parturientium "convulsions of those giving birth."

First Known Use

circa 1860, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

eclampsia

noun

ec·​lamp·​sia i-ˈklam(p)-sē-ə, e- 

: a convulsive state : an attack of convulsions: as

a

: convulsions or coma late in pregnancy in an individual affected with preeclampsia compare toxemia of pregnancy

b

: a condition comparable to milk fever of cows occurring in domestic animals (as dogs and cats)

eclamptic

i-ˈklam(p)-tik, e- 

adjective