Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 10, 2026
09:16
Use of a Wireless Video-EEG System to Monitor Epileptiform Discharges Following Lateral Fluid-Percussion Induced Traumatic Brain Injury
Published on: June 21, 2019
Prolonged postictal deficit: Uncomplicated Todd's palsy or nonconvulsive status epilepticus?
Hugo Kermorvant1,2, Kilian L Di Caprio2,3, Charlotte Damien2,4
1Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium.
Epilepsia
|February 9, 2026
Summary
Distinguishing prolonged postictal deficits from nonconvulsive seizures (NCSz) is challenging. A short EEG followed by extended monitoring if the 2HELPS2B score is high can help identify NCSz.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Epileptology
- Clinical Neurophysiology
Background:
- Postictal deficits are common after seizures but their underlying mechanisms and predictors are not fully understood.
- Differentiating prolonged postictal deficits from nonconvulsive seizures (NCSz) or nonconvulsive status epilepticus (NCSE) poses a diagnostic challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify clinical and electrographic features that predict ongoing or recurrent ictal activity.
- To explore biomarkers associated with the duration and severity of postictal deficits.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective case-control study was conducted on 112 patients with prolonged postictal deficits (>1 hour).
- Patients were classified based on EEG findings into uncomplicated Todd's palsy or recurring NCSz groups.
- Clinical, imaging, and electrographic characteristics were compared, and factors influencing deficit duration were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Of 112 patients, 77% had uncomplicated Todd's palsy and 23% had recurring NCSz.
- NCSz patients were younger and experienced longer deficits.
- Sporadic epileptiform discharges and rhythmic/periodic discharges on EEG were more frequent in the NCSE group, even with short EEG durations.
Conclusions:
- A significant minority of prolonged postictal deficits are due to recurring NCSz.
- Given the lack of reliable clinical/imaging predictors, a 30-minute EEG is recommended.
- Extended continuous EEG monitoring is advised for patients with a 2HELPS2B score >1.
More Related Videos
07:07Inducing Post-Traumatic Epilepsy in a Mouse Model of Repetitive Diffuse Traumatic Brain Injury
Published on: February 10, 2020
06:04Frontal Disconnection for Treating Mild Malformation of Cortical Development with Oligodendroglial Hyperplasia in Epilepsy (MOGHE) in the Frontal Lobe
Published on: August 16, 2024
Related Concept Videos
01:24Epilepsy and Seizures: Overview
Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disease marked by recurrent, unpredictable seizures. These seizures are caused by abnormal electrical discharges in the brain, leading to behavior, sensation, or consciousness alterations. They can also cause transient impairment of awareness, interfering with daily activities.
Various factors can trigger epilepsy, including genetic factors, brain damage, metabolic causes, and unknown etiology. Diagnosis of epilepsy involves electroencephalography (EEG), which...
Various factors can trigger epilepsy, including genetic factors, brain damage, metabolic causes, and unknown etiology. Diagnosis of epilepsy involves electroencephalography (EEG), which...
01:13Seizures: Classification
Epilepsy is primarily characterized by unpredictable seizures, either provoked by an identifiable factor, such as injury or illness, or unprovoked, occurring spontaneously without apparent cause.
Seizures are typically classified into two main categories: focal and generalized seizures.
Focal Seizures
Focal seizures originate from specific regions of the brain. These seizures are further sub-classified into two types:
Seizures are typically classified into two main categories: focal and generalized seizures.
Focal Seizures
Focal seizures originate from specific regions of the brain. These seizures are further sub-classified into two types:
01:28Traumatic Brain Injury l: Introduction
DefinitionTraumatic brain injury, or TBI, is a disturbance of normal brain function induced by an external mechanical force, such as a direct blow to the head or a penetrating injury. It can affect both brain structure and function, producing a wide range of clinical outcomes. TBI is a heterogeneous condition, meaning its effects may differ based on the type, location, and severity of the injury.Basis of ClassificationTBI is classified based on severity, injury mechanism, or pathophysiology. In...
01:20Seizures l: Introduction
Understanding seizures and epilepsy relies on key definitions that help in recognizing, classifying, and managing these disorders. These definitions provide a framework for recognizing, classifying, and managing seizure disorders.DefinitionsA seizure is a sudden, abnormal burst of electrical activity in the brain that can cause changes in awareness, movement, sensation, or behavior, depending on the area involved. Epilepsy is a chronic condition characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures,...
01:19Seizures ll: Types
Seizures are sudden bursts of abnormal electrical discharge in the brain that interfere with normal function. They are commonly divided into three groups: focal seizures, generalized seizures, and other types that do not fit neatly into either category.Focal SeizuresFocal seizures begin in a single brain region. When awareness is preserved, they are called focal aware seizures and may cause sensations such as tingling, unusual smells, or flashing lights. When awareness is impaired, they are...
01:22Epilepsy ll: Types
Recurrent seizures, stemming from abnormal electrical activity in the brain, are the defining characteristic of epilepsy, a chronic neurological condition. Because seizure features vary greatly, epilepsy is classified using two systems: by seizure type and by epilepsy syndromes. These classifications enable clinicians to describe seizure patterns and select suitable treatment strategies.I. Classification by Seizure Type1. Focal EpilepsyFocal epilepsy begins in one hemisphere of the brain.