Suspected Epilepsy and Asystole
Background
For over 6 years, a 38-year old woman suffered multiple episodes of seizures with loss of consciousness.
History
- No history of arrhythmia or cardiovascular disease
- Lost ability to drive and exercise
- Developed fear of episode onset
- Interpersonal relationships suffered
Initial Workup—All tests inconclusive
- ECG
- Holter monitor
- External loop recorder
- EP studies
- EEG after sleep deprivation
- MRI
Additional Workup
- Patient prescribed anti-seizure medication for 12 months; experienced six additional seizures
- Cardiologist implanted a RevealŪ Insertable Cardiac Monitor (ICM)
Outcome
- During an episode, the Reveal ICM recorded normal sinus rhythm/sinus bradycardia (NSR/SB), followed by 25 seconds of asystole, then NSR/SB again (below)
- Cardiologist implanted a dual chamber pacemaker
- Patient experiences occasional dizziness but no additional syncopal episodes
Data on file at Medtronic, Inc. Results may not be typical for every patient. |