Cardiovascular manifestations of autonomic epilepsy.
Cardiovascular autonomic manifestations of seizures occur frequently in the epileptic population. Common manifestations include alterations in heart rate and rhythm, blood pressure, ECG changes and chest pain. The neuroanatomical and neurophysiological underpinnings of these autonomic manifestations are not been fully elucidated. Diagnostic confusion may arise when ictal symptoms are confined to the autonomic nervous system; conversely, such symptoms in association with convulsions or altered consciousness are more readily recognized as concomitant ictal features. Awareness of the diverse autonomic manifestations of epilepsy will enhance diagnosis and lead to more effective therapy of these patients.
Freeman
Roy
R
Autonomic and Peripheral Nerve Laboratory, Harvard Medical School, Dept. of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, 1 Deaconess Road, Boston, MA 02215, USA. rfreeman@bidmc.harvard.edu
D000818:Animals; D001145:Arrhythmias, Cardiac / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D001341:Autonomic Nervous System / Q000503:physiopathology*; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000502:physiology; D002319:Cardiovascular System / Q000503:physiopathology*; D002637:Chest Pain / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D003645:Death, Sudden / Q000209:etiology; D004562:Electrocardiography; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005483:Flushing / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D012640:Seizures / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D014474:Unconsciousness / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology