Epilepsy
Epilepsy

Todd's paralysis is a long post-epileptic paresis of an unexplained nature

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Todd English physician Robert Böckl Todd first described the signs and symptoms of hemiparesis, which occurs immediately after epileptic convulsions, back in 1855.Therefore, the process that occurs immediately after epipriposition, received the name - Todd's paralysis( also has the name postictal and post-epileptic paralysis).

Paresis occurs after epileptic paroxysm( attack), it breaks the tone of the muscles of the limbs and blocks the motor activity of the person. The person from the first minutes after the seizure begins to worry cramps in the limbs.

This disease is the first herald of central nervous system depletion, and can also indicate the formation of brain tumors and dismetabolic disorders.

The provoking factors are controversial. ..

To date, the etiology of the syndrome is not clear, physicians have not been able to fully establish the causes of Todd's paralysis.

Even the best medical research can not influence the result. Some physicians only suggest that the source of this pathological symptom are the processes of inhibition in the central nervous system.

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Other experts believe that the cause of the disease is neurotransmitter deficiency and depletion of cerebral functions.

Among the provoking factors are called:

  • status epilepticus, which is characterized by frequent attacks for 30 minutes;Epileptic activity in the brain
  • cerebral exhaustion;
  • neoplasm of the brain;
  • herpetic encephalitis;
  • viral encephalitis;
  • lipid metabolism disorder;
  • lowering of cholesterol level in conjunction with an increased level of triglycerides;
  • ischemic heart disease;
  • ischemic brain disease.

How it looks: the symptoms and manifestations of

Following epileptic paroxysm, a complete blockage of the motor system of the arms and legs is the main symptom that points to Todd's Paralysis, which can be accompanied by hemiparesis or monoparesis.

Hemiparesis - the decay of the muscles of the unilateral arms and legs. Monoparesis is a muscle weakness of one of the arms or legs. Muscle weakness can range from incomplete to complete paralysis.

Todd Todd's paresis has a central character, which increases muscle tone and reduces the sensitivity of the affected limb.

The duration of a pathological condition can vary from one to two days. After that the patient has a gradual recovery of muscle strength and voluntary motor activity.

In some cases, repeated episodes are not characterized by regression of paralysis, residual motor deficiencies are observed.

Together with the above symptoms, there were cases when doctors in patients observed visual and speech impairment.

In the initial manifestation of post-epileptic symptoms, a similar pattern can be confused with a stroke. But it is worth noting, the pathological symptoms in paralysis disappear after one - two days, and with stroke such symptoms do not disappear so quickly.

Diagnostic criteria

Modern physicians are equipped with a wide range of different techniques developed to accurately diagnose virtually any disease. Diagnosis begins with a test in which the attending physician in balls determines the degree of muscle damage.

Muscle immobilization is assessed on a five-point scale:

  • 5 points - the patient does not have paralysis, muscle weakness is not observed;
  • 4 points - the patient has not lost motor activity, but the strength of muscles decreases, a person is able to resist the movements of the doctor's hand;
  • 3 points - the movements of the victim are constrained, but the patient can move, overcoming gravitational forces.
  • 2 points - the motor activity is weak, the patient can not overcome the gravity of the Earth;
  • 1 point - minimal motor activity;
  • 0 баллов - the patient is completely paralyzed, no movement.

Having studied the results of the test, the doctor begins to investigate the patient's medical history.

Further diagnosis is based on the following methods:

  1. CT of the brain .Detects early hemorrhages and the presence of a stroke. EEG examination
  2. MRI or MDA .Research of the state of the vessels of the brain.
  3. Cerebral angiography of .The method of examining the vessels of the brain, in which a contrast agent is introduced into the vessels.
  4. ECG .The method of studying the work of the heart in a normal and pathological state.
  5. EchoCG .A technique for visualizing the state of the heart tissues and clans.
  6. EEG .Examination to establish electrical brain activity.

After a complete examination, the attending physician is able to make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe the correct treatment of the disease.

Medical aid

Because there are no clear-cut and precise reasons that provoke the appearance of posteliptic paralysis, there are no highly effective methods and methods of therapy.

Specialists conduct symptomatic treatment of the disease, because the first signs of pathological immobility appear immediately after the epileptic fit and gradually begin to progress.

With mild paralysis, no medication is required. A severe form of the disease is treated with the use of antiepileptic drugs from the group of anticonvulsants and benzodiazepines.

The main task of the drugs is to block the epileptic attack and reduce their total number. Drugs are selected individually for each patient by a doctor. To the most popular means are: Midazolam, Porazepan, Diazepan, Phosphenytoin.

Diphenine The most effective drugs at the moment are Lorazepam and Phenytoin( Diphenin).Lorazepam is administered 2-3 times a day for 1 drop. If the use of this dose is not beneficial, the daily dose is increased to 6 drops.

Phenytoin is intended for intravenous use. When using the drug, it must be diluted with 0.9% saline. Injection of the drug into the body is slow( 50 mg per minute), with a calculation of 10-15 mg per 1 kg of the patient's weight.

If the patient has a pathological condition of the brain, CNS activity is disrupted or a cerebral tumor is detected, the patient is sent to a neurosurgeon who prescribes parallel treatment and correction of such diseases.

No doctor will list to his patient effective recommendations for the prevention of Todd's paralysis, as they do not exist. General recommendations of physicians:

  • a healthy lifestyle;
  • preventive examinations in specialized clinics.

Lifestyle with epilepsy:

Consequences and prognosis of

If the symptoms of paralysis are poorly expressed, then there is no need to take medication. This form of the disease is not a threat, but rather has a favorable character. All pathological symptoms will soon disappear, and the body will fully recover.

The situation is a bit more complicated if the symptoms of Todd's syndrome are long and full. Severe manifestations of the disease can adversely affect human health.

However, muscle weakness will disappear even if not so quickly, but the muscle strength will fully recover and they will be able to function properly. In this case, it is more difficult for victims to predict epiphystones, since they can happen at any improper moment.

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