Carotid sinus syndrome masquerading as treatment resistant epilepsy.
A 65 year old woman had a 12 year history of frequent, recurrent seizure-like episodes labelled as treatment resistant epilepsy after neurological evaluation and follow up and treatment with multiple antiepileptic medications. Carotid sinus massage provoked 5.6 seconds asystole with symptom reproduction, and she has remained symptom-free after permanent pacemaker implantation for her carotid sinus syndrome and withdrawal of antiepileptic medications.
Parry
S W
SW
University of Newcastle and Institute for the Health of the Elderly, Cardiovascular Investigation Unit, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Queen Victoria Road, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4LP, UK. R.A.Kenny@ncl.ac.uk
Kenny
R A
RA
D000368:Aged; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002304:Cardiac Pacing, Artificial; D003951:Diagnostic Errors; D004351:Drug Resistance; D004569:Electroencephalography; D017029:Epilepsy, Complex Partial / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D012008:Recurrence; D013575:Syncope / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy
D000927:Anticonvulsants