Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 24, 2026

Author Spotlight: Advancing Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery in Children Through Novel Biomarkers and Enhanced Localization
09:57

Author Spotlight: Advancing Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery in Children Through Novel Biomarkers and Enhanced Localization

Published on: September 20, 2024

3.5K

Earlier tachycardia onset in right than left mesial temporal lobe seizures

Kazuhiro Kato1, Kazutaka Jin2, Hisashi Itabashi1

  • 1From the Departments of Epileptology (K.K., K.J., H.I., Y.K., N.N.), Neurosurgery (M.I.), and Neurology (K.K., M.A.), Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan.

Neurology
|September 7, 2014
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Heart rate changes during seizures can indicate the seizure

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Epilepsy Research
  • Autonomic Nervous System

Background:

  • Mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (mTLE) is a common epilepsy syndrome.
  • Identifying seizure lateralization is crucial for surgical planning.
  • Peri-ictal heart rate (HR) changes are potential biomarkers.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate if peri-ictal heart rate changes can lateralize seizures in mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (mTLE).
  • To determine the timing of heart rate changes in relation to seizure onset.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of long-term video electroencephalograms (EEGs) in 21 mTLE patients.
  • Analysis of 77 partial seizures without secondary generalization.
  • Comparison of peri-ictal heart rate changes between right-sided and left-sided seizures.

Main Results:

  • Heart rate increased in most seizures, with earlier onset and peak in right-sided seizures.
  • Onset of HR increase was significantly earlier in right seizures (-11.5s) vs. left seizures (9.2s).
  • Maximum HR increase did not significantly differ between sides, but timing did.

Conclusions:

  • Earlier tachycardia in right mTLE seizures supports right hemisphere dominance in sympathetic control.
  • Delayed or absent tachycardia may indicate left mTLE seizures, possibly due to seizure spread.
  • Peri-ictal HR timing offers a potential lateralizing sign for mTLE.

More Related Videos

Network Analysis of Foramen Ovale Electrode Recordings in Drug-resistant Temporal Lobe Epilepsy Patients09:32

Network Analysis of Foramen Ovale Electrode Recordings in Drug-resistant Temporal Lobe Epilepsy Patients

Published on: December 18, 2016

13.7K
Behavioral Characterization of Pentylenetetrazole-induced Seizures: Moving Beyond the Racine Scale07:35

Behavioral Characterization of Pentylenetetrazole-induced Seizures: Moving Beyond the Racine Scale

Published on: July 8, 2025

1.8K

Related Concept Videos

Seizures: Classification01:13

Seizures: 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:
2.4K
Seizures l: Introduction01:20

Seizures 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,...
30
Seizures ll: Types01:19

Seizures 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...
23
Dysrhythmias III: Characteristics of Dysrhythmias01:29

Dysrhythmias III: Characteristics of Dysrhythmias

Dysrhythmias, also known as arrhythmias, are irregular heart rhythms that result from abnormal electrical activity in the heart, affecting its ability to circulate blood efficiently. Tachyarrhythmias, a subset of dysrhythmias, are characterized by abnormally fast heart rates exceeding 100 beats per minute. Here are some types of tachyarrhythmias with their distinct ECG features:Sinus Tachycardia:Sinus tachycardia presents a regular heart rhythm with an increased rate of 101-180 beats per...
702
Dysrhythmias II: Classification of Tachyarrhythmias01:28

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...
734
Epilepsy ll: Types01:22

Epilepsy 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.
24