Semiologic, electroencephalographic and electrocardiographic correlates of seizure-like manifestations caused by cardiac asystole

Abstract

Purpose Cardiac asystole is known to cause clinical manifestations mimicking seizures. The recognition of this uncommon phenomenon is important to expedite appropriate clinical intervention and avoid unnecessary morbidity as well as potential mortality. Methods We retrospectively reviewed video-electroencephalographic (EEG) records from January 2008 to December 2013 for relevant cases. Results We identified four patients who experienced nine events of asystole accompanied by seizure-like activity captured on video-EEG. None had evidence of epilepsy on video-EEG. Semiological features of captured clinical events included aura, automatisms, generalized tonic activity and focal as well as gener..