Last Updated on January 3, 2025 by Analgesia team
Post Ictal Medical Meaning
The postictal state is a temporary altered state of consciousness that occurs after a seizure:
Once the seizure is over, some people may remember having one, remember parts of it, or not remember at all. This is called the post-ictal stage, which occurs after the active (ictal) part of the seizure. This is the recovery stage and during this phase, any physical after-effects of the seizure are felt.
After a seizure, people can feel confused, fatigued, exhausted, frustrated, and nauseated. Often, they report having a headache and extremely sore muscles, or weakness in parts of their body. They might be embarrassed or ashamed or experience intense feelings of fear and anxiety. Depending on the seizure type, they might have lost consciousness or control of their bladder or bowels. In some cases, the person has been injured (head contusions, cuts, broken bones), during the seizure and needs medical assistance. For more information on seizure after-care, head to our website or send us a direct message.
The type of seizure and the part of the brain involved will determine how long it takes for a person to return to their usual self. The post-ictal phase can last anywhere between a few seconds and minutes, a few hours, or even a few days!
After a seizure, people can feel confused, fatigued, exhausted, frustrated, and nauseated. Often, they report having a headache and extremely sore muscles, or weakness in parts of their body. They might be embarrassed or ashamed or experience intense feelings of fear and anxiety. Depending on the seizure type, they might have lost consciousness or control of their bladder or bowels. In some cases, the person has been injured (head contusions, cuts, broken bones), during the seizure and needs medical assistance. For more information on seizure after-care, head to our website or send us a direct message.
The type of seizure and the part of the brain involved will determine how long it takes for a person to return to their usual self. The post-ictal phase can last anywhere between a few seconds and minutes, a few hours, or even a few days!
- Symptoms: Confusion, drowsiness, headache, nausea, motor weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, thirst, and sore muscles
- Duration: Usually lasts between 5 and 30 minutes, but can be longer for more severe seizures
- Causes: Neuronal exhaustion and hyper-inhibition
- Treatment: Symptom suppression
To help paramedics or police recognize a seizure or postictal phase, you can wear medical jewelry or carry an epilepsy identification card.