Todd paralysis
Pronunciation: todd pah-RAL-ih-sis
Temporary weakness or paralysis following a seizure, typically resolving within 24-48 hours.
Full Definition
Todd paralysis, also known as Todd paresis, describes a temporary neurological deficit that occurs following a seizure, most commonly focal motor seizures. The weakness typically affects the same body region involved in the ictal motor activity and can range from mild weakness to complete paralysis. This postictal phenomenon usually resolves within 24-48 hours but may persist for several days in some cases. Todd paralysis can mimic stroke in the emergency setting, making the distinction between these conditions crucial for appropriate management. The exact mechanism is thought to involve neuronal exhaustion following prolonged seizure activity. Clinical documentation should note the distribution of weakness, its relationship to seizure semiology, and timeline of resolution.
Usage
Usage note: Named after Robert Bentley Todd. Important differential diagnosis for acute weakness in patients with seizure history.
In Context
- "The patient's right-sided weakness was attributed to Todd paralysis given the temporal relationship to witnessed focal seizure activity." — Emergency neurology consultation
- "Complete resolution of Todd paralysis within 18 hours confirmed the postictal nature of the patient's neurological deficits." — Epilepsy monitoring unit note