The Cost of Gaps in Care: A Case of Lidocaine Toxicity and Postpartum Seizures

This report describes the case of a 20-year-old Spanish-speaking female at 39 weeks gestation who experienced a generalized seizure immediately after lidocaine administration for a labial fold episiotomy repair following a complicated vaginal delivery. With limited prenatal care, language barriers, and socioeconomic challenges, the patient required intubation and intensive care unit (ICU) transfer for management. Extensive workup ruled out common causes, and the likely diagnosis was an atypical presentation of preeclampsia. The case highlights the impact of healthcare disparities and systemic inequities on obstetric outcomes, emphasizing the need for early prenatal care, equitable healthcare access, and advocacy for underserved populations.