Todd's paralysis
Temporary weakness following a seizure that resolves within hours to days.
Full Definition
Todd's paralysis, also known as Todd's paresis, is a temporary neurological deficit that occurs after a focal seizure, typically involving weakness or paralysis on one side of the body. Named after neurologist Robert Bentley Todd, this phenomenon usually resolves completely within minutes to hours, though it can occasionally persist for up to 48 hours. Todd's paralysis is thought to result from temporary neuronal exhaustion in the brain region where the seizure occurred. It can mimic stroke symptoms, making careful history-taking crucial to distinguish between post-ictal paralysis and acute cerebrovascular events. The presence of Todd's paralysis often indicates that a seizure has focal features, even if not witnessed.
Usage
Usage note: Always capitalize 'Todd's' as it is an eponym; distinguish timing from stroke symptoms.
In Context
- "The patient's right-sided weakness was attributed to Todd's paralysis following the witnessed focal seizure." — emergency department evaluation
- "Todd's paralysis resolved completely within six hours, confirming the post-ictal nature of the deficit." — neurology follow-up note