Syncope: there is more than haemodynamic failure.
Convulsive syncopes may be particularly difficult to differentiate from epileptic seizures. Recurrent syncopes are caused by autonomic or non-autonomic failure. In this report, we present a 22-year-old woman who was misdiagnosed as epileptic and whose first symptoms during neurocardiogenic syncope occurred prior to asystole. The patient sensed her aura and reached for the alarm button 2 s before a cardiac asystole was documented in the ECG. We conclude that so far unspecified autonomic mechanisms play a significant role in our patient leading to the symptoms of dizziness and nausea heralding her attacks prior to the occurrence of asystole.
Department of Neurology, University of Munich, Epilepsy Center, Muenchen, Germany.
Anna Mira
AM
Loesch
Alexander
A
Becker
Soheyl
S
Noachtar
D054537:Atrioventricular Block / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004562:Electrocardiography; D004569:Electroencephalography; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D013575:Syncope / Q000175:diagnosis; D019462:Syncope, Vasovagal / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D055815:Young Adult