[Complex partial seizures as cause of transient cardiac arrhythmia].

The frequency and type of seizure-induced cardiac arrhythmias is presented in light of 36 partial-complex seizures recorded with simultaneous EEG/ECG. An average increase in heart rate of 35% (sinus tachycardia) was observed in 60% of patients (22/36). Bradycardia was demonstrated in 17% (6/36) due to AV-block in 3 cases, once due to sinus bradycardia and once due to bradycardia in the presence of atrial fibrillation. In one patient with a pacemaker spontaneous heart rhythm ceased. The average slowing of heart rate was 29% with a maximum of 62.5%. In the remaining 23% of patients (8/36), no change in heart rate was observed. These results, in conjunction with those of the literature, indicate that a primary epileptic origin needs to be included in the differential diagnosis of cardiac arrhythmias.