Asystole induced by partial seizures: a rare cause of syncope

Pacing Clin Electrophysiol. 2007 Nov;30(11):1416-9. doi: 10.1111/j.1540-8159.2007.00883.x.

Abstract

The clinical distinction between cardiovascular and epileptic causes of loss of consciousness is sometimes difficult, but becomes challenging when a primary epileptic seizure secondarily causes an asystole. Epilepsy can be correlated to severe bradycardia or asystole. The syndrome is called the ictal bradycardia syndrome. Ictal bradycardia and asystole have been implicated in the etiology of sudden unexpected death in epileptic patients (SUDEP). We present a case of traumatic syncope during an epileptic disorder ab esordio and we discuss the related literature.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Electrocardiography
  • Electroencephalography
  • Heart Arrest / diagnosis*
  • Heart Arrest / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Rare Diseases / complications
  • Rare Diseases / diagnosis
  • Seizures / complications*
  • Seizures / diagnosis*
  • Syncope / diagnosis*
  • Syncope / etiology*