Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
postictal
Pronunciation: post-IK-tal
Occurring after a seizure, describing the recovery period following a seizure event.
Full Definition
Referring to the period immediately following a seizure, characterized by various neurological and behavioral manifestations as the brain recovers from the ictal event. Postictal symptoms may include confusion, disorientation, fatigue, headache, muscle soreness, or temporary neurological deficits such as weakness or speech difficulties (Todd's paralysis). The duration and severity of postictal symptoms can vary widely depending on seizure type, duration, and the brain regions involved. Understanding postictal phenomena is important for patient education and seizure management.
In Context
- "The patient experienced postictal confusion lasting approximately 30 minutes after the generalized seizure." — Emergency department note
- "Postictal EEG showed diffuse slowing that gradually improved over several hours." — EEG report
Also known as
post-seizure period
Contrasted with
ictal
interictal
preictal
Don't confuse with
interictal
ictal
preictal