Undiagnosed raised intracranial pressure complicating labour.
A 30-year-old woman was admitted to the labour ward at term complaining of symptoms suggestive of raised intracranial pressure which were overlooked. Epidural analgesia was administered following induction of labour and was associated with a clear exacerbation of symptoms. After delivery a CT scan revealed a large cerebello-pontine angle tumour with obstructive hydrocephalus. This case report and literature review demonstrate the importance of a reasonable level of clinical suspicion and a careful neurological examination in patients with such symptomatology to allow sensible and safe guidance through labour.
Wakeling
H G
HG
Anaesthetic Department, North Hampshire Hospital, Basingstoke, Hampshire, UK.
Barry
P C
PC