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Autonomic symptoms during epileptic seizures
C Baumgartner1, S Lurger, F Leutmezer
1Universitätsklinik für Neurologie, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, A-1090 Vienna, Austria. Christoph.Baumgartner@univie.ac.at
Epileptic Disorders : International Epilepsy Journal with Videotape
|October 27, 2001
Summary
Autonomic symptoms during epileptic seizures originate from the central autonomic network. Specific autonomic signs can help lateralize seizure onset, offering insights into brain function.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neuroscience
- Autonomic Nervous System Research
Background:
- Autonomic symptoms are common during epileptic seizures, appearing alongside or as the main manifestation.
- These symptoms stem from central autonomic network activation, not just motor seizure reactions.
Observation:
- Autonomic symptoms encompass cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, cutaneous, pupillary, genital, and urinary changes.
- Hemispheric representation within the central autonomic network means some symptoms can lateralize seizure origin.
Findings:
- Ictal vomiting, retching, spitting automatisms, and urinary urge may indicate non-dominant hemisphere seizure onset.
- Symptoms vary from subtle to severe, potentially impacting diagnosis and even causing sudden unexplained death in epilepsy.
Implications:
- Autonomic seizure symptoms aid in localizing the seizure onset zone.
- Studying these symptoms provides a unique view into the central autonomic network's organization and general brain function.