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interictal
Pronunciation: in-ter-IK-tal
Relating to the period between seizures in patients with epilepsy.
Full Definition
Interictal refers to the time intervals between epileptic seizures when the patient appears clinically normal but may still show abnormal brain activity on EEG. During interictal periods, patients may experience subclinical epileptiform discharges that can affect cognitive function, mood, and behavior. This concept is crucial in neuropsychiatry as interictal psychiatric symptoms are common in epilepsy patients and may require specific management approaches.
Usage
Usage note: Often confused with ictal; ensure correct spelling and usage in seizure-related contexts.
In Context
- "Interictal EEG showed frequent spike discharges in the temporal region." — EEG report
- "The patient's interictal behavioral changes included increased irritability and mood lability." — clinical assessment
Also known as
inter-seizure period
Contrasted with
ictal
postictal
Don't confuse with
ictal
postictal
preictal