Stokes-Adams syndrome, a rarely reported disease

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Neurology

Background:

• Stokes-Adams syndrome is a rare condition characterized by transient loss of consciousness and potential seizures, stemming from reduced cardiac output and subsequent cerebral hypoxia.
• Common causes include high-degree atrioventricular block, paroxysmal ventricular arrest, and pulseless ventricular tachycardia, often necessitating cardiac interventions.

Observation:

• A case study of a 78-year-old male patient presenting with Stokes-Adams syndrome secondary to 2:1 atrioventricular block was analyzed.
• The patient experienced syncopal and convulsive episodes attributed to the cardiac conduction abnormality.

Findings:

• Definitive pacemaker implantation was performed on the patient.
• Following pacemaker implantation, the patient experienced no recurrence of syncopal or convulsive episodes, indicating successful management.

Implications:

• Recognizing Stokes-Adams syndrome as a potential cause of syncope or seizures is crucial for timely diagnosis and intervention.
• Early identification through clinical history and paraclinical tests can prevent sudden death, a significant risk associated with this condition.