ABSTRACT
Vasovagal syncope precipitating an epileptic seizure has only rarely been described. A patient with known intractable complex partial seizures being evaluated for a left anterior temporal lobectomy experienced a typical seizure with mesial temporal onset precipitated by an observed vasovagal episode. This is the first report of a partial epileptic seizure precipitated by vasovagal syncope and the first example of an epileptic seizure induced by syncope in an adult. Video and intracranial depth electrode and subdural grid recordings documented the event.
Subject(s)
Electroencephalography/methods , Epilepsy, Complex Partial/etiology , Syncope, Vasovagal/complications , Adult , Age Factors , Electrodes, Implanted , Epilepsy, Complex Partial/diagnosis , Humans , Male , Video RecordingABSTRACT
Although most panic attacks appear to be primary psychiatric disturbances, some evidence suggests a biologic basis for panic disorder, possibly associated with temporal lobe dysfunction. Fear is a common affective change associated with some complex partial seizures (CPS) originating from the right temporal lobe. We describe a previously unreported association between panic attacks and seizures originating from the parietal lobe in 2 patients with right parietal lobe tumors. Intracranial monitoring documented correlations between the symptoms of fear and restricted regional parietal cortical discharges. Surgical resections of the lesions (one total, one subtotal) resulted in complete recovery or improvement.
