The ictal bradycardia syndrome.

ABSTRACT

The ictal bradycardia syndrome is an uncommon diagnosis in which bradycardia is accompanied by simultaneous epileptic discharges in the EEG. We describe a patient who was referred to the emergency ward because of syncope. Ictal semeiology and EEG-EG findings are discussed and compared with those published in the literature. Therapeutic options are discussed in relation with those published in the literature. The ictal bradycardia syndrome is probably underdiagnosed, while its recognition is of utmost importance because of potential life threatening complications such as asystole. Up to now, its aetiology is poorly understood, its ictal semeiology is often described insufficiently and its therapy is still discussed.