Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 24, 2026

Methods for ECG Evaluation of Indicators of Cardiac Risk, and Susceptibility to Aconitine-induced Arrhythmias in Rats Following Status Epilepticus
Published on: April 5, 2011
Potentially life-threatening ictal bradycardia in intractable epilepsy
Céline Odier1, Dang Khoa Nguyen, Alain Bouthillier
1Department of Medicine, Neurology Division, Montreal University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Background:
Recently a high prevalence of asystole was found in individuals with refractory epilepsy.
Objective:
To measure the prevalence and characterize the pattern of ictal bradycardia (IB) in our cohort.
Method:
We analyzed ictal heart rate (HR) and seizure localization in 69 consecutive individuals with intractable epilepsy. Ictal bradycardia was defined by HR less than 60 beat per min (bpm) and a fall of more than 30 bpm.
Results:
Ictal bradycardia was observed in 1.9% of seizures and in five individuals (7.2%), who presented IB in 5.7% of their seizures. Four of them had also relative IB (a decrease of HR of more than l0 bpm) in the majority of their seizures. Four additional individuals showed relative IB.
Conclusion:
Ictal bradycardia occurs more frequently than previously thought in individuals with refractory epilepsy. Recognition of individuals with small to moderate ictal HR decrease may help to identify those at greatest risk for asystole.
More Related Videos
10:22Interictal High Frequency Oscillations Detected with Simultaneous Magnetoencephalography and Electroencephalography as Biomarker of Pediatric Epilepsy
Published on: December 6, 2016
06:58Non-restraining EEG Radiotelemetry: Epidural and Deep Intracerebral Stereotaxic EEG Electrode Placement
Published on: June 25, 2016
Related Concept Videos
ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias
Seizures l: Introduction
Epilepsy and Seizures: Overview
Various factors can trigger epilepsy, including genetic factors, brain damage, metabolic causes, and unknown etiology. Diagnosis of epilepsy involves electroencephalography (EEG), which...
Disturbances in Heart Rhythm
Arrhythmias are categorized by their speed, rhythm, and origin. A slow heart...
Seizures: Classification
Seizures are typically classified into two main categories: focal and generalized seizures.
Focal Seizures
Focal seizures originate from specific regions of the brain. These seizures are further sub-classified into two types:
Antiepileptic Drugs: Calcium Channel Blockers
Calcium channel blockers exert their antiepileptic effects by targeting T-type calcium channels, which are integral to transmitting nerve signals in the central nervous system. These channels allow the passage of calcium ions, which are vital for neuronal communication. By inhibiting T-type calcium channels, calcium channel blockers effectively reduce the release of neurotransmitters and...