Q:  Role of magnesium is not thoroughly known in treatment of eclampsia but what are the few mechanisms suggested?





Answer: MgSO4 has been shown to be a very effective treatment for the prevention and treatment of eclampsia. Its mechanism of action is multi-factorial,  and so has been found to be more effective than traditional anti-epileptics.

1. Being a calcium antagonist, it causes vasodilation 
2. MgSO4 via effect on the cerebral endothelium limits vasogenic edema 
3. MgSO4 may also act centrally to inhibit NMDA receptors, providing anticonvulsant activity by increasing the seizure threshold.