Asystole in focal epilepsy complicating a traumatic subdural hematoma

J Arrhythm. 2017 Aug;33(4):330-332. doi: 10.1016/j.joa.2017.01.004. Epub 2017 Feb 16.

Abstract

Ictal asystole due to sinus node suppression is a cause of sudden unexplained death in epilepsy. Here, for the first time, we describe a complete atrioventricular nodal block in a patient with non-compressive traumatic subdural hematoma, who developed ictal asystole as a delayed presentation. A leadless VVI pacemaker (ventricular paced, ventricular sensed, and pacing inhibited in response to a sensed beat) was implanted as a preventive measure against seizure-related heart block.

Keywords: Heart block; Ictal asystole; Subdural hematoma; Syncope; Temporal lobe epilepsy.