Todd's paralysis is a type of neurological disorder associated with the occurrence of areas of excitation in the brain. It can last from several minutes to a day. To make this diagnosis, it is necessary to exclude all other similar pathologies, including organic damage to the nervous system.
Definition
Todd's paralysis is a transient condition that develops after an epileptic seizure. Patients have paresis or paralysis of the limbs, both on the one hand and on both sides. Paralysis of this kind is the first warning about depletion of the nervous system and may be a symptom of cancer or metabolic disorders.
Diagnosis of paralysis is possible only after magnetic resonance imaging, which eliminates the violation of cerebral circulation and organic damage to the nervous tissue. Additionally, the doctor may prescribe electroencephalography (EEG) to identify foci of epilepsy, dopplerography of the brain vessels, angiography and other tests.
If the cause of the seizures is not found, then the treatment is reduced to stopping epilepsy.
Causes
Todd's paralysis is still one of the medical puzzles. And without knowing the reasons, doctors cannot develop a mechanism for the separation of the pathological process in order to cure it. Based on indirect evidence, doctors have several assumptions regarding the nature of the disease. According to the most progressive theory, "the phenomenon of inhibition of the nervous system" is manifested in the form of paralysis. It is associated with impaired transmission of neurotransmitters.
In addition, there are several more reasons:
- several consecutive epileptic seizures;
- brain depletion;
- malignant neoplasm of the central nervous system;
- inflammation of brain matter, especially viral etiology;
- uncoupling of lipid metabolism;
- the presence of ischemic strokes in the past;
- diseases of the heart and blood vessels.
Symptoms
What is the manifestation of Todd's paralysis? Symptoms initially resemble an epileptic seizure. For others to observe an attack can be quite difficult, since they have no way to help the patient. But even after the cramps end, a person cannot fall asleep and get happy oblivion. On the contrary, he freezes and cannot move his arms and legs.
How long does Todd's paralysis last? Symptoms (photos of patients can be traumatic and considered unethical) are sometimes stored near grids or more. Doctors most often report the appearance of unilateral paralysis or paresis. Over time, the motor blockade passes without leaving any consequences. In the medical periodicals, cases of Todd's paralysis with impaired vision and articulation were recorded.
At the first encounter with this pathology, the symptoms can be regarded as a manifestation of a stroke, but after all the necessary diagnostic measures have been taken, the initial diagnosis is removed, and a quick regression of symptoms confirms the version of paralysis.
Diagnostics
What needs to be done to confirm Todd's paralysis? The signs of the disease are rather vague. It is necessary to exclude all other pathologies in order to be sure of the diagnosis. First of all, it is necessary to determine the severity of the observed condition and the level of muscle paralysis. To do this, conduct a physical examination and compare the data with a five-point scale:
- Five points is a complete absence of symptoms, the patient's muscles are in a state of physiological norm.
- Four points - strength indicators are slightly reduced, but the activity of the limbs is still preserved. The patient calmly overcomes the resistance of the doctor’s hand.
- Three points - the stiff muscles of the victim are visible to the naked eye, but the patient is still able to make arbitrary movements, although not as fast as with four points. It becomes more difficult to overcome the resistance of a doctor’s hand.
- Two points - the gravity of the Earth becomes an insurmountable barrier for such a patient.
- One point - complete muscle paralysis is observed.
After the examination, the doctor collects a thorough medical history from the patient's relatives, examines the medical record, appoints a computer or magnetic resonance imaging. To exclude a stroke, the patient undergoes angiography to identify the focus of epilepsy (if there is any history), electroencephalography is prescribed. To determine concomitant pathologies, an ultrasound examination of the heart and electrocardiography are done.
Only with all the results, the doctor can choose one of the most probable among all the predicted diagnoses and begin therapy.
Treatment
How can you stop Todd's paralysis? Treatment, although it is purely symptomatic, has low efficiency, since it is difficult to establish the exact cause of this condition. Therapy depends on the level and severity of paralysis.
If motor disorders are minor, then specific treatment is not required. Symptoms will go away on their own in a few hours or days. For deeper disorders, benzodiazepine-type drugs are used, such as Midazolam, Diazepam, Lorazepam, Fosphenytoin or Phenytoin. Each of them stops convulsive attacks, their consequences. When prescribing them, it must be remembered that a sharp withdrawal of antiepileptic drugs can also trigger an attack.
There are contraindications for the appointment of these drugs. First of all, this, of course, intolerance to the components of the drug, as well as the presence of a history of angle-closure glaucoma and drug or alcohol dependence. In addition, kidney function plays an important role, since the drug is mainly excreted in the urine.
Prevention
Todd's post-mild paralysis cannot be prevented in any way. This condition has not yet been fully studied, therefore, specific prevention, like treatment, cannot be developed. Perhaps some time later, when the possibilities of medicine become even greater, we will be able to take some steps to eliminate this pathology.
Today, doctors give very vague advice, such as maintaining a healthy lifestyle, eating right, giving up bad habits, and moderate physical activity. In addition, do not forget about periodic preventive examinations, because any disease is easier to prevent than to treat.
Forecast
Todd's paralysis can have both a favorable and an unfavorable prognosis. It all depends on the severity of neurological symptoms and the duration of paresis or paralysis. If a neurologist gives a three-point or four-point rating on a five-point scale, then the disease does not cause significant concerns, and the prognosis for life and health is favorable. The body quickly recovers after attacks, the condition does not require medical intervention.
If paralysis lasts for a long time, limb functions are restored for a long time, and the number of seizures increases with time, then the prognosis for life is, of course, unfavorable.
Latest research
Todd's right- and left-sided paralysis can progress, and over time, muscle weakness remains even after prolonged treatment. For such patients, as well as other paralyzed people, science can offer a couple of revolutionary ideas. The first one is to create prostheses. Today, there are prototypes of bionic extremities controlled by the power of thought, that is, the device connects to the nervous system and perceives nerve impulses, decoding the signals.
The second method is rather biological. It is based on the restoration of nerve endings using stem cells. Since they have a tendency to almost infinite division, and can also differentiate into any cell of the human body. While experiments are being conducted on laboratory animals, but if they succeed, one can hope for a significant breakthrough in the treatment of neurological diseases.