Peri-ictal atrioventricular conduction block in a patient with a lesion in the left insula: case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Seizure-induced syncope is uncommon and is usually due to peri-ictal bradycardia and asystole. In contrast, peri-ictal atrioventricular conduction block (AV block) has been reported only rarely. Here, we review the literature on peri-ictal AV block and describe a patient with recurrent episodes of epigastric auras that were occasionally followed by a sensation of dizziness and syncope because of transient third-degree AV block. After installation of a cardiac pacemaker, epigastric auras persisted, whereas the sensation of dizziness and syncope stopped. MRI revealed a lesion in the left insula, leading to the notion that recurrent syncope was most likely due to ictal activity in central autonomic networks.