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Table of Contents

Symptoms

Causes

Diagnosis

Treatment

Todd’s paralysis is a temporary medical syndrome of weakness or paralysis and loss of sensation over part of the body. This can sometimes happen after aseizure. It’s important to distinguish Todd’s paralysis from a stroke, which is a much more serious medical situation. Studies have estimated that Todd’s paralysis occurs in between 1% to 13% of people who have had a seizure.

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Electroencephalogram (EEG) on a 27-year old woman

Todd’s Paralysis Symptoms

The symptoms of Todd’s paralysis begin right after a seizure. This is sometimes called the “postictal state,” the period during which the brain recovers and returns to its normal activity. During this period, some people experience postictal symptoms such as sleepiness, headache, or confusion, even though the seizure isn’t happening anymore. Todd’s paralysis is a specific type of postictal symptom.

Todd’s paralysis can cause weakness or sometimes a total inability to move certain parts of your body (paralysis). The affected parts might not be able to feel sensations normally. In some cases, vision might be on the right or left side of your field of vision.

These symptoms usually affect one side of the body but not the other. For example, your right arm and right leg might be affected, or your left arm and left leg. Sometimes, symptoms might affect one side of the face as well, which might cause slurred speech. Less commonly, symptoms might occur in one leg or one arm alone. The symptoms usually affect the part of the body that was just previously involved in the seizure. These symptoms may last only for a few minutes or may persist over a couple of days.

Not everyone who has a seizure will experience Todd’s paralysis. Also, even if you’ve had an episode of Todd’s paralysis in the past, you might not have one after a future seizure.

The symptoms of Todd’s paralysis occur after a person has a seizure. This might happen after a seizure in someone who has been diagnosed withepilepsy, a medical condition that causes repeated seizures. However, it might also potentially happen in someone who has a seizure from another cause (such as anelectrolyte abnormality).

For reasons that aren’t completely clear, Todd’s paralysis seems to be more common after seizures that cause physical movements during the seizure (called “clonic motor movements”).The paralysis tends to affect the areas of the body that were moving involuntarily during the seizure.

Most commonly, it occurs after partial seizures or after generalized tonic clonic seizures. Partial seizures affect only one area of the brain, and they might or might not cause loss of consciousness. Generalizedtonic-clonic seizures(grand mal seizures) involve loss of consciousness and jerking motions. Todd’s paralysis may last a little longer in people who have it after a generalized tonic-clonic seizure compared to those who have it after a partial seizure.

Todd’s paralysis also sometimes happens afterelectroconvulsive therapy(ECT) given for depression. However, in this case the symptoms of Todd’s paralysis tend to go away even more quickly.

Underlying Causes

Though we know Todd’s paralysis sometimes occurs after seizures, researchers still don’t understand why it happens. It seems to be related to changes in brain physiology that occur from the seizure, with certain neurons not able to fire normally. But other factors may be involved as well.

Temporarily reduced blood flow to a region of the brain due to the seizure may be part of the problem. Because of this, certain areas of the brain might not be getting as much oxygen as normal. For example, if the brain area controlling the movement of the right arm and leg is affected, you might temporarily have trouble moving your right arm and leg. As the brain returns to normal, symptoms go away on their own.

Risk Factors

Older individuals seem to have a higher risk of getting Todd’s paralysis after a seizure.

Having Todd’s paralysis after a seizure is also more common in people who have had any of the following:

Medical history and medical exam provide the key starting points for diagnosis. The clinician assesses symptoms and learns about the individual’s medical conditions and health history.

Diagnosis may be relatively straightforward if a person has previously been diagnosed with epilepsy and their symptoms began right after someone witnessed their seizure. But if a person hasn’t previously been diagnosed with epilepsy, the diagnosis becomes trickier.

Todd’s Paralysis or Stroke?

In these situations, clinicians may be more concerned about astroke, which can cause similar symptoms.Stroke is a much more serious medical condition with more lasting symptoms. It often requires long-term rehabilitation.

Distinguishing between stroke Todd’s paralysis and is critical, because stroke requires a different medical treatment. Some people with certain types of strokes—those due to a blood clot or a blocked artery—may benefit from a treatment calledtPA(tissue plasminogen activator). This treatment can help the blood again flow normally through brain blood vessels after a stroke. It is an extremely helpful treatment for many people who have had a stroke, and it may provide the best chance for full recovery. However, tPA comes with some risks, so clinicians don’t want to give it if a person hasn’t really had a stroke.

Medical Testing

Medical testing is often needed to help distinguish the stroke from Todd’s paralysis. Possible tests might include:

These give clues about whether the symptoms are more likely from a stroke or from a seizure.

Depending on the situation, a clinician might need to eliminate other possible causes of symptoms. For example, certain rare genetic syndromes might cause some symptoms similar to Todd’s paralysis.

Seizure Diagnosis

Other tests may also be helpful, depending on the situation. For example, if it seems like a person has had a seizure but hasn’t previously been diagnosed with epilepsy, other causes of seizure might need to be investigated. This might include:

These tests can’t diagnose Todd’s paralysis, but they might point to an underlying cause of a seizure in a person who hasn’t had one before. Many different types ofmedical problems can lead to a seizure, including infection, alcohol withdrawal, low blood sugar, and others.

A neurologist can provide guidance about whether epilepsy is the most likely cause of the seizure.

Fortunately, the symptoms of Todd’s paralysis are short-lived. They disappear on their own without any need for treatment. Having Todd’s paralysis doesn’t cause any other medical complications.

However, the underlying cause of the seizure may need to be treated. For example, a seizure is sometimes the first symptom of untreated diabetes mellitus. Any underlying medical condition causing a seizure will need to be addressed.

In people with epilepsy, it’s important to take steps to prevent future seizures. These individuals typically need to takemedicationslong-term to help prevent future seizures. Other factors may also help you reduce your risk of future seizures, like getting enough rest and staying hydrated.

A Word From Verywell

Todd’s paralysis can be an alarming problem to have after a seizure. You may be wondering if you have a more serious problem, like a stroke. Fortunately, the symptoms of Todd’s paralysis should go away relatively quickly. Working with your medical provider to help prevent future seizures will give you more peace of mind.

9 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Xu SY, Li ZX, Wu XW, Li L, Li CX.Frequency and pathophysiology of post-seizure Todd’s paralysis.Med Sci Monit. 2020;26:e920751. doi:10.12659/MSM.920751Liff JM, Bryson EO, Maloutas E, et al.Transient hemiparesis (Todd’s paralysis) after electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in a patient with major depressive disorder.J ECT. 2013;29(3):247‐248. doi:10.1097/YCT.0b013e31827e568cLyman KA, Chetkovich D.New insights into postictal paresis: An epilepsy-associated phenomenon that may not be as benign as long thought.Epilepsy Curr. 2017;17(3):167‐168. doi:10.5698/1535-7511.17.3.167Onder H.Todd’s paralysis: a crucial entity masquerading stroke in the emergency department.J Emerg Med. 2017;52(4):e153‐e155. doi:10.1016/j.jemermed.2016.12.001Sylaja PN, Dzialowski I, Krol A, et al.Role of CT angiography in thrombolysis decision-making for patients with presumed seizure at stroke onset.Stroke. 2006;37(3):915‐917. doi:10.1161/01.STR.0000202678.86234.84Cleveland Clinic.Alteplase, TPA injection.MedlinePlus.Alternating hemiplegia of childhood.Liu G, Slater N, Perkins A.Epilepsy: treatment options.Am Fam Physician. 96(2):87‐96.Omar HR, El-Khabiry E, Vaughan S.Seizure as the first presentation of diabetes mellitus.Ther Adv Endocrinol Metab. 2012;3(5):175‐177. doi:10.1177/2042018812459879

9 Sources

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Xu SY, Li ZX, Wu XW, Li L, Li CX.Frequency and pathophysiology of post-seizure Todd’s paralysis.Med Sci Monit. 2020;26:e920751. doi:10.12659/MSM.920751Liff JM, Bryson EO, Maloutas E, et al.Transient hemiparesis (Todd’s paralysis) after electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in a patient with major depressive disorder.J ECT. 2013;29(3):247‐248. doi:10.1097/YCT.0b013e31827e568cLyman KA, Chetkovich D.New insights into postictal paresis: An epilepsy-associated phenomenon that may not be as benign as long thought.Epilepsy Curr. 2017;17(3):167‐168. doi:10.5698/1535-7511.17.3.167Onder H.Todd’s paralysis: a crucial entity masquerading stroke in the emergency department.J Emerg Med. 2017;52(4):e153‐e155. doi:10.1016/j.jemermed.2016.12.001Sylaja PN, Dzialowski I, Krol A, et al.Role of CT angiography in thrombolysis decision-making for patients with presumed seizure at stroke onset.Stroke. 2006;37(3):915‐917. doi:10.1161/01.STR.0000202678.86234.84Cleveland Clinic.Alteplase, TPA injection.MedlinePlus.Alternating hemiplegia of childhood.Liu G, Slater N, Perkins A.Epilepsy: treatment options.Am Fam Physician. 96(2):87‐96.Omar HR, El-Khabiry E, Vaughan S.Seizure as the first presentation of diabetes mellitus.Ther Adv Endocrinol Metab. 2012;3(5):175‐177. doi:10.1177/2042018812459879

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Xu SY, Li ZX, Wu XW, Li L, Li CX.Frequency and pathophysiology of post-seizure Todd’s paralysis.Med Sci Monit. 2020;26:e920751. doi:10.12659/MSM.920751Liff JM, Bryson EO, Maloutas E, et al.Transient hemiparesis (Todd’s paralysis) after electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in a patient with major depressive disorder.J ECT. 2013;29(3):247‐248. doi:10.1097/YCT.0b013e31827e568cLyman KA, Chetkovich D.New insights into postictal paresis: An epilepsy-associated phenomenon that may not be as benign as long thought.Epilepsy Curr. 2017;17(3):167‐168. doi:10.5698/1535-7511.17.3.167Onder H.Todd’s paralysis: a crucial entity masquerading stroke in the emergency department.J Emerg Med. 2017;52(4):e153‐e155. doi:10.1016/j.jemermed.2016.12.001Sylaja PN, Dzialowski I, Krol A, et al.Role of CT angiography in thrombolysis decision-making for patients with presumed seizure at stroke onset.Stroke. 2006;37(3):915‐917. doi:10.1161/01.STR.0000202678.86234.84Cleveland Clinic.Alteplase, TPA injection.MedlinePlus.Alternating hemiplegia of childhood.Liu G, Slater N, Perkins A.Epilepsy: treatment options.Am Fam Physician. 96(2):87‐96.Omar HR, El-Khabiry E, Vaughan S.Seizure as the first presentation of diabetes mellitus.Ther Adv Endocrinol Metab. 2012;3(5):175‐177. doi:10.1177/2042018812459879

Xu SY, Li ZX, Wu XW, Li L, Li CX.Frequency and pathophysiology of post-seizure Todd’s paralysis.Med Sci Monit. 2020;26:e920751. doi:10.12659/MSM.920751

Liff JM, Bryson EO, Maloutas E, et al.Transient hemiparesis (Todd’s paralysis) after electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in a patient with major depressive disorder.J ECT. 2013;29(3):247‐248. doi:10.1097/YCT.0b013e31827e568c

Lyman KA, Chetkovich D.New insights into postictal paresis: An epilepsy-associated phenomenon that may not be as benign as long thought.Epilepsy Curr. 2017;17(3):167‐168. doi:10.5698/1535-7511.17.3.167

Onder H.Todd’s paralysis: a crucial entity masquerading stroke in the emergency department.J Emerg Med. 2017;52(4):e153‐e155. doi:10.1016/j.jemermed.2016.12.001

Sylaja PN, Dzialowski I, Krol A, et al.Role of CT angiography in thrombolysis decision-making for patients with presumed seizure at stroke onset.Stroke. 2006;37(3):915‐917. doi:10.1161/01.STR.0000202678.86234.84

Cleveland Clinic.Alteplase, TPA injection.

MedlinePlus.Alternating hemiplegia of childhood.

Liu G, Slater N, Perkins A.Epilepsy: treatment options.Am Fam Physician. 96(2):87‐96.

Omar HR, El-Khabiry E, Vaughan S.Seizure as the first presentation of diabetes mellitus.Ther Adv Endocrinol Metab. 2012;3(5):175‐177. doi:10.1177/2042018812459879

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