Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 7, 2026
09:57
Electromagnetic Source Imaging in Presurgical Evaluation of Children with Drug-Resistant Epilepsy
Published on: September 20, 2024
[17-year-old student with recurrent seizures].
S Deelawar1, J C Manegold, C W Israel
1Klinik für Innere Medizin - Kardiologie, Diabetologie und Nephrologie, Evangelisches Krankenhaus Bielefeld.
Deutsche Medizinische Wochenschrift (1946)
|September 19, 2013
Summary
Arrhythmogenic syncope can mimic seizures. An implantable loop recorder (ILR) aided diagnosis in a patient with recurrent events, leading to successful treatment and symptom resolution.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Neurology
- Clinical Electrophysiology
Background:
- Syncope can present with seizure-like symptoms, posing diagnostic challenges.
- Distinguishing between convulsive syncope and epileptic seizures is crucial for appropriate management.
Observation:
- A 17-year-old female experienced recurrent seizure-like events.
- Initial ECG revealed sinus bradycardia and T wave abnormalities; investigations were otherwise unremarkable.
- An implantable loop recorder (ILR) captured torsade de pointes tachycardia during a subsequent event.
Findings:
- Arrhythmogenic syncope was confirmed as the cause of the patient's events.
- Genetic testing for common long-QT-syndrome (LQTS) mutations was negative.
- Treatment with beta-blockers and ICD implantation led to symptom resolution.
Implications:
- ECG findings can suggest an arrhythmogenic cause of syncope.
- ILR implantation is valuable for diagnosing suspected but undocumented arrhythmic events.
- Comprehensive genetic analysis may be needed for atypical LQTS cases.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Epilepsy ll: Types
Recurrent seizures, stemming from abnormal electrical activity in the brain, are the defining characteristic of epilepsy, a chronic neurological condition. Because seizure features vary greatly, epilepsy is classified using two systems: by seizure type and by epilepsy syndromes. These classifications enable clinicians to describe seizure patterns and select suitable treatment strategies.I. Classification by Seizure Type1. Focal EpilepsyFocal epilepsy begins in one hemisphere of the brain.
01:13Seizures: Classification
Epilepsy is primarily characterized by unpredictable seizures, either provoked by an identifiable factor, such as injury or illness, or unprovoked, occurring spontaneously without apparent cause.
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:
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:
01:19Seizures ll: Types
Seizures are sudden bursts of abnormal electrical discharge in the brain that interfere with normal function. They are commonly divided into three groups: focal seizures, generalized seizures, and other types that do not fit neatly into either category.Focal SeizuresFocal seizures begin in a single brain region. When awareness is preserved, they are called focal aware seizures and may cause sensations such as tingling, unusual smells, or flashing lights. When awareness is impaired, they are...
01:20Seizures l: Introduction
Understanding seizures and epilepsy relies on key definitions that help in recognizing, classifying, and managing these disorders. These definitions provide a framework for recognizing, classifying, and managing seizure disorders.DefinitionsA seizure is a sudden, abnormal burst of electrical activity in the brain that can cause changes in awareness, movement, sensation, or behavior, depending on the area involved. Epilepsy is a chronic condition characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures,...
01:24Epilepsy and Seizures: Overview
Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disease marked by recurrent, unpredictable seizures. These seizures are caused by abnormal electrical discharges in the brain, leading to behavior, sensation, or consciousness alterations. They can also cause transient impairment of awareness, interfering with daily activities.
Various factors can trigger epilepsy, including genetic factors, brain damage, metabolic causes, and unknown etiology. Diagnosis of epilepsy involves electroencephalography (EEG), which...
Various factors can trigger epilepsy, including genetic factors, brain damage, metabolic causes, and unknown etiology. Diagnosis of epilepsy involves electroencephalography (EEG), which...
01:20Antiepileptic Drugs: Modulators of Neurotransmitter Release Mediated by SV2A Protein
Antiepileptic drugs, such as levetiracetam (Keppra) and brivaracetam (Briviact), have emerged as crucial tools in managing epilepsy. These medications exert their therapeutic effects by targeting the synaptic vesicle protein SV2A, a transmembrane glycoprotein primarily found in the brain.
SV2A is a transmembrane glycoprotein located predominantly in the brain, modulating the release of neurotransmitters for neuronal communication. Both levetiracetam and brivaracetam exhibit a high affinity for...
SV2A is a transmembrane glycoprotein located predominantly in the brain, modulating the release of neurotransmitters for neuronal communication. Both levetiracetam and brivaracetam exhibit a high affinity for...