Work

The Cost of Gaps in Care: A Case of Lidocaine Toxicity and Postpartum Seizures

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: This report describes the case of a 20-year-old Spanish-speaking female at 39 weeks gestation who experienced a generalized seizure immediately after lidocaine administration for a labial fold episiotomy repair following a complicated vaginal delivery. With limited prenatal care, language barriers, and socioeconomic challenges, the patient required intubation and intensive care unit (ICU) transfer for management. Extensive workup ruled out common causes, and the likely diagnosis was an atypical presentation of preeclampsia. The case highlights the impact of healthcare disparities and systemic inequities on obstetric outcomes, emphasizing the need for early prenatal care, equitable healthcare access, and advocacy for underserved populations.

Source: Cureus

DOI: 10.7759/cureus.76614

Authors: Jenny Lu, Nicole Pancotto, Alice Huang, Roxana Lazarescu

Institutions: Touro College, Wyckoff Heights Medical Center

Language: English

Topic: Pregnancy and preeclampsia studies

Subfield: Obstetrics and Gynecology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W4405889366