Preeclampsia is characterized by hypertension and can present with severe headaches and visual disturbances, which are key symptoms of this condition. The headaches might be described as severe and unlike typical tension headaches, while visual disturbances can include blurred vision, seeing spots or flashes of light, and in some cases, even temporary loss of vision.
In preeclampsia, the combination of hypertension and the presence of these neurological symptoms raises concern for potential complications such as eclampsia, which involves seizures. Monitoring for these symptoms is crucial, as they can signify the progression of the disease, requiring immediate medical intervention.
Other maternity-related conditions do not typically present with this specific symptomatology. For example, gestational diabetes primarily affects glucose metabolism and does not usually manifest with headaches or visual changes. While hypertension could lead to headaches, without the proteinuria or other systemic signs present in preeclampsia, it is not sufficient to diagnose. Lastly, placenta previa is related to the abnormal implantation of the placenta and does not involve the neurological symptoms associated with preeclampsia.