Pulse oximetry during apparent tonic-clonic seizures.
A pulse oximeter was used to monitor arterial oxygen saturations in 11 patients during apparent tonic-clonic seizures. 8 had a clinical diagnosis of genuine fits, 6 of whom showed striking falls in oxygen saturation during the seizures. 3 had a clinical diagnosis of pseudoseizures, none of whom had hypoxia during these episodes. Pulse oximetry during apparent tonic-clonic seizures may help to identify patients with low arterial oxygen tension who need immediate intervention.
James
M R
MR
Accident and Emergency Department, Royal Preston Hospital, UK.
Marshall
H
H
Carew-McColl
M
M
D000293:Adolescent; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D006801:Humans; D000860:Hypoxia / Q000097:blood / Q000209:etiology; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic / Q000379:methods; D010092:Oximetry; D012640:Seizures / Q000097:blood* / Q000150:complications