Todd’s palsy can occur after episode of
**Core Concept**
Todd's palsy is a temporary weakness or paralysis of a limb, usually occurring after a seizure, due to the postictal suppression of motor activity. It is characterized by a sudden onset of muscle weakness, typically affecting one side of the body. This phenomenon is thought to result from the transient alteration in neuronal excitability following a seizure.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Todd's palsy is most commonly associated with focal seizures, particularly those involving partial motor activity. During a partial motor seizure, the abnormal electrical activity is confined to a specific area of the brain, often resulting in localized muscle contractions or convulsions. After the seizure, the affected area may experience a period of reduced excitability, leading to temporary weakness or paralysis. This phenomenon is often seen in patients who have experienced a focal seizure, such as a partial motor seizure.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Generalized tonic-clonic seizures are characterized by widespread brain activity, resulting in generalized convulsions and loss of consciousness. While they can cause postictal weakness, it is not typically referred to as Todd's palsy.
**Option C:** Atonic seizures, also known as drop attacks, involve a sudden loss of muscle tone, leading to falls. They are not typically associated with postictal weakness or paralysis.
**Option D:** Myoclonic seizures are characterized by brief, shock-like muscle contractions, often without loss of consciousness. They are not typically associated with postictal weakness or paralysis.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Todd's palsy is a classic example of postictal weakness, which can be seen in patients who have experienced focal seizures. It is essential to recognize this phenomenon, as it can mimic other neurological conditions, such as stroke or peripheral nerve damage.
**β Correct Answer: B. Partial motor seizures**