Cardiac manifestations of complex partial seizures

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Cardiology
• Epilepsy

Background:

• Complex partial seizures (CPS) are a type of epilepsy.
• Cardiovascular symptoms can sometimes be the primary presentation of neurological conditions.

Observation:

• Six patients presented with complex partial seizures where cardiovascular symptoms were the most prominent initial manifestation.
• Symptoms included atypical anginal pain, sinus tachycardia, sinus bradycardia with syncope, and pheochromocytoma-like symptoms.

Findings:

• Epilepsy was diagnosed in five of the six patients via electrodiagnostic studies, ruling out myocardial ischemia.
• Patients responded to anticonvulsant therapy, not antianginal medications, confirming the neurological origin of symptoms.

Implications:

• Complex partial seizures presenting with cardiovascular symptoms are likely underdiagnosed.
• Recognizing this presentation can lead to appropriate diagnosis and effective treatment with anticonvulsants.