Cardiac Arrest in Frontal Lobe Epilepsy: A Potential Cause of Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Mechanisms involved in the causation of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) are not well understood. Ictal asystole has been identified as a cause of SUDEP in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy. Herein, we report a patient who developed cardiac arrest during the ictal period of frontal lobe epilepsy.

CASE REPORT:

A 35-year-old man presented with a history of progressive nocturnal stiffness in the left lower extremity since 6 years and that of paroxysmal episodes of altered consciousness. In the last 2 years, he sustained epileptic seizures which presented as closed eyes, wheezy phlegm in the throat, facial pallor, moist cold skin, clenched fists, and limb stiffness; the episodes lasted 3-4 min. The seizures did not respond to antiepileptic therapy. Twenty four-hour electrocardiography monitoring showed transient atrial tachycardia, supraventricular premature beats, and cardiac arrest.

CONCLUSION:

Frontal lobe epilepsy may be a potential cause of SUDEP. Clinician should be aware of this condition.

• Authors: Xinyue Zhang, Li Cui, Weihong Lin
• Journal: Neurology India (Neurol India) 2021 May-Jun Vol. 69 Issue 3 Pg. 737-739 ISSN: 1998-4022 [Electronic] India
• PMID: 34169879 (Publication Type: Case Reports)

Topics

• Adult
• Electroencephalography
• Epilepsy, Frontal Lobe (complications)
• Heart Arrest (complications)
• Humans
• Male
• Seizures
• Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy