INFORMATION ON TODD'S PARALYSIS

Todd's paralysis is a neurological condition characterized by a brief period of transient paralysis following a seizure. The paralysis - which may be partial or complete - generally occurs on one side of the body and usually subsides completely within 48 hours. Todd's paralysis may also affect speech or vision. The cause is not known. Examination of an individual who is experiencing or who has just experienced Todd's paralysis may help physicians identify the origin of the seizure. It is important to distinguish the condition from a stroke, which requires different treatment.

SYNONYMS OF TODD'S PARALYSIS

Synonyms and related keywords:

1 Simple localization-related epilepsy.
2 Epilepsy Simple partial status epilepticus.
3 Epilepsia partialis continua.
4 Kojewnikoff syndromes.
5 Periodic lateralized epileptiform discharges.

CAUSES OF TODD'S PARALYSIS

Any localized structural lesion of the brain can result in Todd’s Paralysis, including the following:

1 Developmental abnormalities.
2 Vascular lesions.
3 Meningitis/focal encephalitis,Trauma,Tumors.
4 Hypoxic insults,Postsurgical changes,Metabolic and electrolyte shifts.

Some of the more common causes of seizures include:

1 Idiopathic, usually begin between ages 5 to 20, can occur at any age.
2 No other neurologic abnormalities present, often a family history of epilepsy or seizures.
3 Developmental or genetic conditions present at birth, or injuries near birth -- in this case, the seizures usually begin in infancy or early childhood.
4 Metabolic abnormalities may affect people of any age diabetes mellitus complications.
5 Electrolyte imbalances kidney failure, uremia nutritional deficiencies phenylketonuria can rarely cause seizures in infants other metabolic diseases, such as inborn error of metabolism.

SYMPTOMS OF TODD'S PARALYSIS

Symptoms for Todd's Paralysis includes:

1 Transient paralysis.
2 Hemi paresis.
3 Seizure.
4 Speech problems.
5 Vision problems.

The severity of symptoms can vary greatly from simple staring spells to loss of consciousness and violent convulsions. For many patients, the event is stereotyped while some patients have many different types of seizures that cause different symptoms each time. The type of seizure a person experiences depends on a variety of factors, such as the part of the brain affected, the cause, and individual response.

DIAGNOSIS OF TODD'S PARALYSIS

Diagnoses can include:

1 Fluid volume deficit.
2 Knowledge deficits.
3 Impaired gas exchanges.
4 Anxiety.
5 Pain, Exam: Full body.
6 Urine test: Toxicology screen.
7 Blood test: CBC, electrolytes, renal function studies, serum drug levels of anticonvulsant medications.
8 Radiographic studies: C-spine x-rays if spinal injury during seizure is suspected, x-rays of suspected bony damage, CT of the brain for new onset Diet: NPO.
9 Medications: Valium or Ativan for active seizures, Cerebyx, Dilantin, or other anticonvulsants in loading doses for maintenance.

TREATMENT OF TODD'S PARALYSIS

There is no specific treatment necessary for Todd's paralysis. The symptoms should fully resolve within minutes to hours or days. Treatment of Todd's paralysis is symptomatic and supportive because the paralysis disappears quickly.