title: Seizures. Introduction.
abstract: Several observations make it worthwhile to take a closer look at postictal events, which are defined as manifestations of seizure-induced reversible alterations in neuronal function. The postictal period may adversely affect the quality of life, considering the duration and severity of postictal events. The postictal period is often longer than the seizure itself. Postictal events such as psychosis, confusion, aphasia, and paresis can be incapacitating. On a more positive side, the increased seizure threshold seen during the postictal period may offer clues for development of more effective seizure treatment. In this issue, experts in the field elucidate the postictal period from different viewpoints, including the mechanism of the postictal period, its diagnostic challenges, and its management.
authors.affiliation: Epilepsy Center, Department of Neurology, University of Munich, Munich, Germany. noa@med.uni-muenchen.de
authors.forename: Soheyl
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Noachtar
authors.forename: Dieter
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Schmidt
mesh_terms: D001037:Aphasia / Q000209:etiology*; D003221:Confusion / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D010291:Paresis / Q000209:etiology*; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000209:etiology*; D012640:Seizures / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology