Post-ictal
Post-ictal
Post-ictal (pronunciation: pohst-ik-tuhl) is a term used in the medical field to describe the period of recovery immediately following a seizure. The term is derived from the Latin words "post," meaning "after," and "ictus," meaning "a blow or stroke."
Definition
The post-ictal state is the altered state of consciousness that a person enters after experiencing a seizure. It can last from a few minutes to several hours, depending on the severity of the seizure and the individual's overall health. Symptoms can include confusion, drowsiness, nausea, headache, and memory loss.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of the post-ictal state include:
- Confusion: This is the most common symptom. The person may not know where they are or what has happened.
- Drowsiness: The person may feel extremely tired and want to sleep.
- Headache: A headache is common after a seizure.
- Memory loss: The person may not remember the seizure or events leading up to it.
- Nausea: Some people may feel sick to their stomach.
Causes
The exact cause of the post-ictal state is not known, but it is thought to be due to the brain's attempt to recover and return to its normal state after a seizure. Factors that can influence the length and severity of the post-ictal state include the type of seizure, the person's age, and their overall health.
Treatment
Treatment for the post-ictal state primarily involves managing the symptoms and ensuring the person's safety. This can include resting, taking pain relievers for a headache, and reorienting the person to their surroundings if they are confused.
Related Terms
- Seizure: A sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbance in the brain.
- Epilepsy: A neurological disorder marked by sudden recurrent episodes of sensory disturbance, loss of consciousness, or convulsions, associated with abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
- Status epilepticus: A dangerous condition in which epileptic seizures follow one another without recovery of consciousness between them.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Post-ictal
- Wikipedia's article - Post-ictal
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