[Complex partial seizures as cause of transient cardiac arrhythmia]

Schweiz Med Wochenschr. 1995 Nov 18;125(46):2237-43.
[Article in German]

Abstract

The frequency and type of seizure-induced cardiac arrhythmias is presented in light of 36 partial-complex seizures recorded with simultaneous EEG/ECG. An average increase in heart rate of 35% (sinus tachycardia) was observed in 60% of patients (22/36). Bradycardia was demonstrated in 17% (6/36) due to AV-block in 3 cases, once due to sinus bradycardia and once due to bradycardia in the presence of atrial fibrillation. In one patient with a pacemaker spontaneous heart rhythm ceased. The average slowing of heart rate was 29% with a maximum of 62.5%. In the remaining 23% of patients (8/36), no change in heart rate was observed. These results, in conjunction with those of the literature, indicate that a primary epileptic origin needs to be included in the differential diagnosis of cardiac arrhythmias.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Arrhythmias, Cardiac / diagnosis
  • Arrhythmias, Cardiac / etiology*
  • Bradycardia / etiology
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Electrocardiography
  • Electroencephalography
  • Epilepsy, Complex Partial / complications*
  • Epilepsy, Complex Partial / diagnosis
  • Female
  • Heart Block / etiology
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Tachycardia, Sinus / etiology