What is the appearance of the eyes during a seizure and are they reactive?

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Last updated: February 8, 2025View editorial policy

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From the Research

Appearance of the Eyes During a Seizure

  • The eyes may exhibit conjugate and contralateral deviation to the hemisphere of seizure onset, as seen in 100% of focal-onset seizures 1.
  • The eye movements can be saccadic, with a predominant vector in an oblique upward direction, occurring in 89.3% and 86.8% of seizures, respectively 1.
  • Tonic eye deviation may also be present, offering clues in clinically subtle seizures 2.
  • Nystagmus, characterized by slow phases and quick phases, can occur during seizures, as reported in a patient with stereotyped focal seizures 3.

Reactivity of the Eyes During a Seizure

  • The eyes may not be reactive during a seizure, as the deviation is often forced and involuntary, such as in versive seizures 1, 4.
  • However, the reactivity of the eyes during a seizure is not explicitly stated in the provided studies, and more research may be needed to fully understand this aspect.
  • It is worth noting that the appearance and reactivity of the eyes during a seizure can vary depending on the type and location of the seizure, as well as individual patient factors 1, 4, 3, 2, 5.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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