Tonic-clonic seizures are a type of epileptic seizure. It causes the person to lose consciousness. Often, it can be followed by disorientation and confusion. Some people may also experience loss of memory or bowel control.
The postictal phase is a period of rest and recovery that occurs immediately after a seizure. In some patients, it can last days or even weeks. A number of changes in the brain can occur in the postictal phase, including decreased electrophysiology, neurotransmitter receptors, and cerebral blood flow.
In some patients, postictal symptoms include hypersalivation, psychosis, confusion, headache, or sleepiness. If the seizures are more severe, patients may experience cognitive or behavioral changes, fatigue, irritability, or depression.
emfit seizure monitor While the exact nature of these symptoms is not known, research shows that they can be associated with the postictal phase. These symptoms can vary in severity and frequency, depending on the type of seizure. Nevertheless, they should be reported to your doctor. They can help your physician identify possible underlying causes and long-term strategies.
Depending on the type of seizure, the postictal phase can take several minutes or up to hours. However, some patients report no postictal symptoms at all.
A scream or other audible sound is typically heard at the onset of a seizure. If a person is experiencing a seizure, he or she will fall down to the floor. Seizure alert After falling, the muscles become stiff and the person will eventually regain consciousness.
Although the duration of the postictal phase depends on the size of the seizure and the interaction between the mechanisms of termination, it is commonly thought of as a period of rest and recovery. People with tonic-clonic seizures may feel exhausted, sad, or confused for a few hours.