Todd’s paresis

Todd’s paralysis, or Todd’s palsy are alternative names.

 

 

Todd’s paresis is focal weakness in a part or all of the body after a seizure. 

 

 

It is typically weakness that affects appendages and is localized to either the left or right side of the body. 

 

 

The process usually subsides completely within 48 hours. 

 

 

Todd’s paresis may also affect speech, eye position or vision.

 

 

Todd’s paresis may occur in up to 13% of seizure cases.

 

 

Todd’s paralysis is most common after a focal motor seizure affecting one limb or one side of the body.

 

 

It is held, without proof, that it is 

 

 caused is the exhaustion of the primary motor cortex.

 

 

Typically presents as transient weakness of a hand, arm, or leg after focal seizure activity within that limb. 

 

 

The weakness of Todd’s paresis may range in severity from mild to complete paralysis.

 

 

If the seizure affect areas other than the motor cortex, other neurological deficits can take place:  including  sensory changes if the sensory cortex is involved by the seizure, visual field defects if the occipital lobe is involved, and aphasia if speech, comprehension or conducting fibers are involved.

 

 

The following observations were made of patients postictally: 

 

 

TP occurred in 13.4 percent of patients.

 

 

TP was always unilateral and always contralateral to the seizure focus.

 

 

The mean duration of TP was 174 seconds.

 

 

The impairments that follow seizures are similar to those that follow strokes, where for a period of time blood flow to certain areas of the brain is restricted and these areas are starved of oxygen.

 

 

The most significant issue regarding the Todd’s paresis is its differentiating from  stroke. 

 

 

There is no treatment available.

 

 

Its occurrence indicates that a seizure has occurred. 

 

 

The prognosis depends upon the effects of the seizure, not the occurrence of the paralysis.