Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
ictal
Pronunciation: IK-tal
Relating to or occurring during a seizure episode.
Full Definition
Ictal describes phenomena that occur during the actual seizure event, including the clinical manifestations, EEG changes, and physiological alterations that happen during the active seizure period. This term is part of the temporal classification of epileptic events, which also includes preictal (before), postictal (after), and interictal (between seizures). Understanding ictal characteristics is crucial for seizure classification and treatment planning.
Usage
Usage note: Part of a temporal sequence; ensure correct usage relative to other ictal-related terms.
In Context
- "Ictal EEG changes confirmed the epileptic nature of the episodes." — Epilepsy monitoring report
- "The patient's ictal semiology suggested temporal lobe origin." — Pre-surgical evaluation
Also known as
during seizure
Contrasted with
interictal
Don't confuse with
interictal
postictal
preictal