Recurrent seizure diagnosed by the insertable loop recorder

The Insertable Loop Recorder (ILR) has emerged as an important new tool in the diagnostic armamentarium for patients with syncope.

A case report illustrates how the ILR unexpectedly led to the diagnosis of seizure as the explanation for a man's recurrent, but infrequent episodes of sudden loss of consciousness.

This case raises the possibility that the development of implantable recording devices which monitor physiologic parameters other than cardiac rhythm (eg. brain, nerve or muscle activity) may provide the long-term monitoring capability needed to improve the diagnostic yield for conditions, such as seizures, which occur infrequently.