Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 12, 2026

Use of a Wireless Video-EEG System to Monitor Epileptiform Discharges Following Lateral Fluid-Percussion Induced Traumatic Brain Injury
09:16

Use of a Wireless Video-EEG System to Monitor Epileptiform Discharges Following Lateral Fluid-Percussion Induced Traumatic Brain Injury

Published on: June 21, 2019

Persistent giant U wave inversion with anoxic brain injury

Matthew N Peters1, Morgan J Katz, Lucius A Howell

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA (Peters, Katz, Howell, Moscona, Turnage); and Tulane University Heart and Vascular Institute, New Orleans, LA (Delafontaine).

Proceedings (Baylor University. Medical Center)
|April 2, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Inverted U waves on an electrocardiogram typically signal cardiovascular disease. However, this case shows giant inverted U waves in a patient with a history of brain injury but no heart issues, challenging this association.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Neurology
  • Electrocardiography

Background:

  • Electrocardiographic (ECG) changes are common with acute neurological events.
  • Large, upright U waves can occur following neurological events.
  • Inverted U waves on ECG are usually indicative of cardiovascular disease.

Observation:

  • A 29-year-old male patient with a history of anoxic brain injury was evaluated.
  • The patient had no known pre-existing cardiovascular disease.
  • His electrocardiogram revealed persistent giant inverted U waves.

Findings:

  • The presence of giant inverted U waves in this case is unusual.
  • This finding occurred in the absence of apparent cardiovascular disease.
  • The patient's neurological history (anoxic brain injury) is a key feature.

Implications:

  • This case challenges the established association of inverted U waves solely with cardiovascular pathology.
  • It suggests a potential link between neurological events and inverted U waves.
  • Further research is needed to understand the neurocardiac interplay in ECG abnormalities.

More Related Videos

Cerebral Ischemic Coma Model Induced by Modified Four-Vessel Occlusion03:37

Cerebral Ischemic Coma Model Induced by Modified Four-Vessel Occlusion

Published on: July 5, 2024

Long-term Continuous EEG Monitoring in Small Rodent Models of Human Disease Using the Epoch Wireless Transmitter System08:43

Long-term Continuous EEG Monitoring in Small Rodent Models of Human Disease Using the Epoch Wireless Transmitter System

Published on: July 21, 2015

Related Concept Videos

Ischemic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology01:15

Ischemic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology

An ischemic stroke occurs when a cerebral blood vessel becomes obstructed, most often by a thrombus or embolus, interrupting the delivery of oxygen and glucose to brain tissue. Because neurons rely on continuous aerobic metabolism, energy failure begins within minutes of reduced perfusion. The region receiving the least blood flow becomes the infarct core, an area of irreversible cellular death. Surrounding this core lies the penumbra, a zone of hypoperfused but still viable tissue that is...
Secondary Spinal Cord Injury llI: Pathophysiology01:25

Secondary Spinal Cord Injury llI: Pathophysiology

Early Ischemia and Ionic ImbalanceWithin minutes of spinal cord injury, a secondary cascade begins, progressing over hours to weeks. Vascular damage reduces blood flow, causing ischemia and mitochondrial dysfunction. ATP depletion leads to ion pump failure, membrane depolarization, sodium influx, potassium efflux, and water accumulation, resulting in cellular swelling. Increased intracellular calcium further disrupts mitochondria and accelerates cellular injury.Excitotoxicity and Neuronal...
Transient Ischemic Attack l: Introduction01:26

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...
Brain Waves01:23

Brain Waves

Brain waves are electrical signals generated by the neurons in the brain, which are regularly monitored to measure mental activities. Brain waves and their frequency ranges can be measured using an electroencephalogram or EEG. There are four main types of brain waves, each with distinct characteristics:
Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology01:22

Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology

Vasogenic edema is a major form of cerebral edema characterized by abnormal accumulation of fluid in the brain’s extracellular space due to disruption of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). The BBB is a specialized structure composed of endothelial cells connected by tight junctions, supported by astrocytic endfeet and a basement membrane. Under normal conditions, it tightly regulates the movement of ions, proteins, and solutes between the bloodstream and brain parenchyma. When this barrier loses...
Traumatic Brain Injury l: Introduction01:28

Traumatic Brain Injury l: Introduction

DefinitionTraumatic brain injury, or TBI, is a disturbance of normal brain function induced by an external mechanical force, such as a direct blow to the head or a penetrating injury. It can affect both brain structure and function, producing a wide range of clinical outcomes. TBI is a heterogeneous condition, meaning its effects may differ based on the type, location, and severity of the injury.Basis of ClassificationTBI is classified based on severity, injury mechanism, or pathophysiology. In...