Bradicardia asociada a crisis epilépticas: Casos clínicos / Bradycardia during epileptic seizures: Report of two patients

ABSTRACT

Cardiac rate and rhythm due to autonomic activation, may occur during epileptic seizures. They are probably a consequence of the spreading seizure activity to structures involved in the autonomic control of cardiac rhythm. Sinus tachycardia is the most frequent finding (90 percent). Letal bradycardia is rare and life threatening asystoles require cardiac pacemaker insertion. We report two patients with a right frontal seizure associated to bradycardia, during simultaneous EEG/ECG monitoring. Interictal autonomic function tests showed preserved sympathetic and cardiac vagal responses. Normal interictal autonomic function tests, suggested a transient failure of sympatho-vagal balance.