Heart and lung in the postictal state.

Ictal events include those of the autonomic nervous system. This sympathetic stimulation may persist into the postictal period, affecting cardiopulmonary function. Such postictal effects include potentially fatal alterations in cardiac rhythm and ventilatory function, management challenges such as pulmonary edema, and diagnostically confusing laboratory abnormalities such as fever and cerebrospinal fluid pleocytosis. These and other effects on the heart and lung in the postictal period are accordingly reviewed.