Spectrum of Neurological Pathologies in the Postpartum Period at the Neurology Department of Ignace Deen University Hospital: A Study of 33 Cases

Introduction: The postpartum period represents a high-risk timeframe for the development of neurological disorders. This study aimed to delineate the profile of neurological conditions observed during the postpartum period at the neurology department of Ignace Deen Hospital. Methodology: This retrospective, descriptive study was conducted over a five-year period at the neurology department of Ignace Deen National Hospital. We included all patients who presented with neurological disorders during the postpartum period, defined as within six months following delivery. Results: We documented thirty-three (33) cases of postpartum neurological disorders. The mean age was 27.4 ± 6.9 years. Obstetric complications included eclampsia in 9 cases (27.2%) and pre-eclampsia in 8 cases (24.2%). We recorded 21 cases (63.6%) of multiparity and 19 cases (57.5%) of caesarean delivery. The mean onset delay was 69.2 ± 8.6 hours. Neurological manifestations were predominantly headache in 26 cases (78.7%). Clinical and paraclinical investigations established ischemic stroke in 9 cases (27.2%), acute polyradiculoneuritis (APRN) in 5 cases (15.1%), and myelitis in 1 case (3%). Recovery was observed in 9 patients (27.2%), while mortality occurred in 3 patients (9%). The mean modified Rankin score at discharge was 3.6 ± 3.1. Conclusion: Postpartum neurological disorders, though relatively uncommon, exhibit considerable clinical heterogeneity. This study underscores a predominance of ischemic cerebrovascular events in our clinical setting. Keywords: neurological pathology, postpartum period, Ignace Deen, Guinea, cerebrovascular disorders.