Postpartum paradoxical cerebral embolism through an unknown patent foramen ovale

Introduction and Objective. Paradoxical embolism through a patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a frequent cause of cerebral embolim on young patients. In this report, we describe a young woman who presented with postpartum tonic clonic seizures after an uncomplicated labor. Case. A 28 years old woman who suffered unexplained neurological symptoms on 10th day of the postpartum period was admitted to the neurology clinic. Investigations demonstrated a previously unknown patent foramen ovale and paradoxical embolism was diagnosed as the cause of symptoms. The diagnosis was based on established criteria and the failure to identify an arterial or cardiac embolic source. Discussion and Conclusion. Paradoxical cerebral embolisation only occurs in patients with a shunt and it is a severe complication that causes high morbidity and mortality.