Ictal asystole: An indication for pacemaker implantation and emerging cause of sudden death

Samuel G. Wittekind, Octavian Lie, Stephen Hubbard, Mohan N. Viswanathan

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

7 Scopus citations

Abstract

Ictal asystole is being recognized as a potential mechanism of sudden unexplained death in epilepsy (SUDEP). We report a case of a patient without known cardiac disease presenting with ictal asystole resulting in syncope, trauma, and need for pacemaker implantation. The management of ictal asystole is also briefly reviewed. This case is notable for the asystolic episode wholly captured on video-electroencephalogram/electrocardiogram, the serious risk of trauma and death posed to the patient, and its implications for the mechanism of ictal asystole. This report will alert physicians to the possibility of ictal arrhythmias as a cause of syncope and SUDEP in vulnerable patients.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)e193-e196
JournalPACE - Pacing and Clinical Electrophysiology
Volume35
Issue number7
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 2012
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • ICD
  • SUDEP
  • ictal arrhythmia
  • ictal asystole
  • pacemaker
  • syncope

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

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