Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

Transient Ischemic Attack l: Introduction

Transient Ischemic Attack l: Introduction

A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a brief episode of neurological dysfunction caused by a temporary, focal reduction in cerebral blood flow. Although symptoms resemble those of an ischemic stroke, the interruption in perfusion is short-lived and does not cause permanent infarction. TIAs are clinically important because they often serve as early warning events for future stroke.Mechanisms of Transient Cerebral IschemiaTransient cerebral ischemia may arise through several mechanisms. One...

Dysrhythmias II: Classification of Tachyarrhythmias

Dysrhythmias II: Classification of Tachyarrhythmias

Tachyarrhythmias are a type of dysrhythmia where the heart rate exceeds 100 beats per minute. Here are some common types of tachyarrhythmias:Sinus TachycardiaSinus tachycardia originates from increased impulses from the sinus node, leading to an elevated heart rate. It is often triggered by stress, fever, or exercise.Patients may experience palpitations, a sensation of a racing heart, dizziness, and chest discomfort.Causes and Risk Factors: Common causes include physical exertion, emotional...

Dysrhythmias IV: Characteristics of Bradyarrhythmias

Dysrhythmias IV: Characteristics of Bradyarrhythmias

Bradyarrhythmias are cardiac rhythm disorders characterized by a slower-than-normal heart rate, typically defined as fewer than 60 beats per minute. Some of which are discussed here:Sinus BradycardiaSinus bradycardia presents a heart rate lower than 60 beats per minute, with a regular rhythm originating from the SA node. The ECG typically shows normal P waves preceding each QRS complex, a normal PR interval (0.12 to 0.20 seconds), and a normal QRS duration (0.06 to 0.10 seconds).First-Degree AV...

Hemorrhagic Stroke l: Introduction

Hemorrhagic Stroke l: Introduction

A hemorrhagic stroke is an acute neurological event that occurs when a weakened cerebral blood vessel ruptures, allowing blood to accumulate within or around the brain. The sudden release of blood forms a focal hematoma that increases intracranial pressure, displaces neural tissue, and can obstruct cerebrospinal fluid pathways. These effects may be compounded by intraventricular extension of the hemorrhage, cerebral edema, or compression of adjacent structures, all of which contribute to...

Hemorrhagic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology

Hemorrhagic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology

A hemorrhagic stroke develops when a cerebral blood vessel ruptures, allowing blood to escape into the surrounding brain tissue, as in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), or into the subarachnoid space, as in subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Because the skull is a rigid compartment, the sudden presence of extravascular blood rapidly increases intracranial pressure and compresses adjacent neural structures, leading to immediate tissue injury and impaired cerebral perfusion.Mass Effect and Primary...

Acute Coronary Syndrome I: Introduction

Acute Coronary Syndrome I: Introduction

Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) encompasses a spectrum of heart conditions caused by sudden obstruction of coronary arteries, typically resulting from the rupture of an atherosclerotic plaque and subsequent thrombus (blood clot) formation. This obstruction can lead to partial or complete blockage of blood flow, causing varying degrees of myocardial ischemia or infarction.ACS includes the following clinical entities:Unstable Angina (UA)Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI)ST-Elevation...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

Response to the letter to the editor entitled "Stylet-in-sheath: A new solution to an old problem?"

Heart rhythm·2026

Same author

Left bundle branch area pacing: For all and by all! No longer the exclusive domain of the electrophysiologist!

Indian pacing and electrophysiology journal·2026

Same author

Left bundle branch area pacing in patients with severe interventricular septal hypertrophy: A multicenter study assessing feasibility, safety, and outcomes of lumenless and stylet-driven leads.

Heart rhythm O2·2025

Same author

An Interesting Response During Left Bundle Branch Area Pacing: Electrophysiological Insights.

Journal of cardiovascular electrophysiology·2025

Same author

Permanent Left Bundle Branch Area DF-4 Defibrillator Lead Implantation-Feasibility, Procedural Caveats, Safety, and Follow-Up.

Journal of cardiovascular electrophysiology·2025

Same author

Salvaged by the stylet: Procedural insights from difficult cases of left bundle branch area pacing.

Heart rhythm·2024

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 10, 2026

Point of Care Transcranial Color-Coded Duplex Ultrasound of the Middle Cerebral Artery

Point of Care Transcranial Color-Coded Duplex Ultrasound of the Middle Cerebral Artery

Published on: August 9, 2024

Brainstem infarct presenting as torsades de pointes.

Sivakumar Ardhanari¹, Balashankar Gomathi S, L Anita

¹Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Madras Medical Mission, Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

Indian Heart Journal

|July 20, 2010

Summary

Severe alkalosis can cause hypokalemia, leading to dangerous heart rhythms like torsades de pointes. This case highlights central neurogenic hyperventilation from a brainstem infarct causing refractory ventricular tachyarrhythmia due to secondary hypokalemia.

More Related Videos

A Thrombotic Stroke Model Based On Transient Cerebral Hypoxia-ischemia

A Thrombotic Stroke Model Based On Transient Cerebral Hypoxia-ischemia

Published on: August 18, 2015

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 10, 2026

Point of Care Transcranial Color-Coded Duplex Ultrasound of the Middle Cerebral Artery

Point of Care Transcranial Color-Coded Duplex Ultrasound of the Middle Cerebral Artery

Published on: August 9, 2024

A Thrombotic Stroke Model Based On Transient Cerebral Hypoxia-ischemia

A Thrombotic Stroke Model Based On Transient Cerebral Hypoxia-ischemia

Published on: August 18, 2015

Area of Science:

Neurology
Cardiology
Critical Care Medicine

Background:

Severe alkalosis is known to cause hypokalemia, a condition that can lead to cardiac arrhythmias.
Hypokalemia can prolong the QT interval, increasing the risk of potentially fatal ventricular tachyarrhythmias such as torsades de pointes.

Observation:

This report details a rare case of central neurogenic hyperventilation.
The hyperventilation stemmed from a brainstem infarct.
The patient presented with refractory ventricular tachyarrhythmia secondary to hypokalemia.

Findings:

Central neurogenic hyperventilation can precipitate severe alkalosis.
This alkalosis, in turn, can lead to profound hypokalemia.
The resulting hypokalemia was the primary driver of the refractory ventricular tachyarrhythmia.

Implications:

This case underscores the critical link between respiratory and metabolic disturbances in neurological injury.
Recognizing central neurogenic hyperventilation is crucial for managing electrolyte imbalances and cardiac complications.
Early diagnosis and management of hypokalemia are vital in patients with brainstem infarcts to prevent life-threatening arrhythmias.