Todd’s Paralysis

Todd’s paralysis is temporary paralysis following a seizure (abnormal electric brain activity). It usually occurs on one side of the body, and the area of the brain affected by the seizure reflects the part of the body that is affected by paralysis. The paralysis may be partial or complete, lasting from half an hour to 36 hours, after which it resolves on its own. Speech and vision may also be affected in Todd’s paralysis. Todd’s paralysis is usually seen in those with epilepsy (recurrent seizures).

This condition may present like a stroke, so care needs to be taken to differentiate between the two as both require different treatments. Treatment is usually only supportive as the condition is temporary. The cause of the seizure and its affects need to be identified and treated.