Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
Periictal
Pronunciation: /ˌpɛriˈɪktəl/
The time period immediately surrounding a seizure, encompassing both preictal and postictal phases.
Full Definition
Periictal refers to the broader timeframe around a seizure event, including the preictal period (hours to days before), the ictal period (during the seizure), and the postictal period (minutes to hours after). This term is commonly used in epilepsy monitoring and research to describe physiological changes, symptoms, or interventions that occur in temporal proximity to seizures. Understanding periictal phenomena is crucial for seizure prediction, patient safety protocols, and optimizing treatment strategies.
Usage
Usage note: Use when referring to the entire timeframe around seizures, not just one specific phase.
In Context
- "Periictal heart rate variability changes were documented in 85% of monitored patients." — Research study
- "The patient's periictal confusion typically lasted 30 minutes following complex partial seizures." — Medical record
Also known as
seizure-related period
Contrasted with
interictal
Don't confuse with
preictal
postictal
ictal