Development of new-onset seizures in the peripartum period. Should human immunodeficiency virus infection be considered a cause?

The case histories of two women who developed new-onset seizures in the peripartum period of their pregnancies are presented. These two women had divergent medical histories and prenatal courses. Both women developed grand mal seizures that could be attributed to several established etiologies, yet no specific diagnoses were made. Although their risk factors for developing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection were quite different, both women subsequently were confirmed as HIV positive. Since new-onset seizures have been described as a presenting symptom of HIV infection in other studies, the seizures experienced by these two women could be the presenting symptom of their HIV infection. The authors suggest that HIV testing should be considered for any pregnant woman who develops new-onset seizures during the course of her pregnancy, regardless of her risk factor assessment for HIV infection.