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Case Reports
. 2013 Sep;54(9):e127-30.
doi: 10.1111/epi.12251. Epub 2013 Jun 12.

Significant postictal hypotension: expanding the spectrum of seizure-induced autonomic dysregulation

Alireza Bozorgi  1 , Stephanie Chung, Farhad Kaffashi, Kenneth A Loparo, Satya Sahoo, G Q Zhang, Kitti Kaiboriboon, Samden D Lhatoo
Affiliations
Case Reports

Significant postictal hypotension: expanding the spectrum of seizure-induced autonomic dysregulation

Alireza Bozorgi et al. Epilepsia. 2013 Sep.

Abstract

Periictal autonomic dysregulation is best studied using a "polygraphic" approach: electroencephalography ([EEG]), 3-channel electrocardiography [ECG], pulse oximetry, respiration, and continuous noninvasive blood pressure [BP]), which may help elucidate agonal pathophysiologic mechanisms leading to sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). A number of autonomic phenomena have been described in generalized tonic-clonic seizures (GTCS), the most common seizure type associated with SUDEP, including decreased heart rate variability, cardiac arrhythmias, and changes in skin conductance. Postictal generalized EEG suppression (PGES) has been identified as a potential risk marker of SUDEP, and PGES has been found to correlate with post-GTCS autonomic dysregulation in some patients. Herein, we describe a patient with a GTCS in whom polygraphic measurements were obtained, including continuous noninvasive blood pressure recordings. Significant postictal hypotension lasting >60 s was found, which closely correlated with PGES duration. Similar EEG changes are well described in hypotensive patients with vasovagal syncope and a similar vasodepressor phenomenon, and consequent cerebral hypoperfusion may account for the PGES observed in some patients after a GTCS. This further raises the possibility that profound, prolonged, and irrecoverable hypotension may comprise one potential SUDEP mechanism.

Keywords: Autonomic dysregulation; Postictal hypotension; Seizure polygraphy; Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy.

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Figures

Figures 1
Figures 1
(a), (b) and (c) show a generalized tonic-clonic seizure. 1: EEG onset 2: Version 3: Onset of generalized tonic phase 4: End of tonic phase 5: Onset of jittery phase 6: End of jittery phase 7: Onset of clonic phase 8: End of clonic phase, clinical seizure end, EEG seizure end, onset of EEG suppression 9: End of EEG suppression 10: Onset of intermittent slow SpO2 = Oxygen saturation (green trace = pulse signal; blue trace = O2 saturation)
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