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Bilateral Todd's paralysis after focal seizures
D C Bergen1, L Rayman, P Heydemann
1Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush Medical College, Chicago, Illinois 60612.
Epilepsia
|November 1, 1992
Summary
Transient bilateral limb weakness after focal seizures is rare. This study documents two cases of bilateral Todd's paralysis following focal-onset generalized tonic-clonic seizures, suggesting supplementary motor cortex involvement.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Epileptology
- Neurophysiology
Background:
- Transient hemiparesis or monoparesis is a known postictal phenomenon after partial seizures.
- Generalized tonic-clonic seizures (GTCS) can sometimes originate from focal seizure onset.
Observation:
- Two patients presented with severe bilateral limb weakness following focal-onset GTCS.
- Bilateral Todd's paralysis was clinically verified and documented in both cases.
Findings:
- The seizures in both patients were identified as originating from the supplementary motor cortex.
- This suggests the supplementary motor cortex can be a source for seizures leading to bilateral Todd's paralysis.
Implications:
- This finding expands the understanding of focal seizure manifestations and their postictal consequences.
- It highlights the supplementary motor cortex as a potential generator of complex seizure patterns causing bilateral neurological deficits.