Intracranial Hemorrhage during Labor

Primary intraventricular hemorrhage (PIVH) is uncommon, especially during labor. The author's experience with PIVH leading to acute neurosurgical emergency during labor is discussed, and a recent diagnostic workup and treatment modalities are presented. A 32-year-old female was admitted to our institute with a headache, vomiting and loss of consciousness. A CT scan revealed large right cerebral hematoma and some hydrocephaly. After Caesarean section, the patient was transferred to the neurosurgical intensive care unit. Subsequent surgical management was successful and both mother and infant continued to do well with rehabilitation of speech and physical therapy two and a half years later. Increasing attention is being paid to acute neurosurgical conditions as new generation CT scanners have improved diagnosis and prognosis in corrective surgical management for central nervous disorders during labor.