Abstract
Syncope is a symptom defined as “a transient, self-limited loss of consciousness, usually leading to falling” [1]. The onset of syncope is relatively rapid, and the subsequent recovery is spontaneous, complete and usually prompt. The underlying mechanism is a transient global cerebral hypoperfusion. Seizure is, according to the same document, synonymous with an epileptic fit, and “...whatever its immediate or remote cause, an epileptic attack is the manifestation of a paroxysmal discharge of abnormal rhythms in some part of the brain” [2]. In order to differentiate between the two, simultaneous electroen-cephalographic (EEG) and electrocardiographic (ECG) recording with multiple scalp and chest electrodes is required, a situation that is rarely fulfilled.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
References
Brignole M, Alboni P, Benditt D et al (2001) Task Force report. Guidelines on management (diagnosis and treatment) of syncope. Eur Heart J 22:1256–1306
Bannister R (1973) Brain’s clinical neurology. Oxford Medical, London, New York, Delhi, p 142
Lempert T, Bauer M, Schmidt D (1994) Syncope: a videometric analysis of 56 episodes of transient cerebral hypoxia. Ann Neurol 36:233–237
Linzer M, Grubb BP, Ho S et al (1994) Cardiovascular causes of loss of consciousness in patients with presumed epilepsy: a cause of the increased sudden death rate in people with epilepsy? Am J Med 96:146–154
Englund A, Bergfeldt L, Rosenqvist M (1998) Pharmacological stress-testing of the His-Purkinje system in patients with bifascicular block. Pacing Clin Electrophysiol 21:1979–1987
Kennebäck G, Bergfeldt L, Vallin H et al (1991) Electrophysiologic effects and clinical hazards of carbamazepine treatment for neurologic disorders in patients with abnormalities of the cardiac conduction system. Am Heart J 121:1421–1429
Kennebäck G, Bergfeldt L, Tomson T et al (1992) Carbamazepine-induced bradycardia — a problem in general or only in susceptible patients? A 24 h long-term electrocardiogram study. Epilepsy Res 13:141–145
Kennebäck G, Bergfeldt L, Tomson T (1995) Electrophysiological evaluation of the sodium-channel blocker carbamazepine in healthy human subjects. Cardiovasc Drugs Ther 9:709–714
Keilson MJ, Häuser A, Magrill JP, Goldman M (1987) ECG abnormalities in patients with epilepsy. Neurology 37:1624–1626
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2002 Springer-Verlag Italia
About this paper
Cite this paper
Bergfeldt, L. (2002). Syncope or Seizures: What Have We Learned from Electrocardiographic Monitoring?. In: Raviele, A. (eds) Cardiac Arrhythmias 2001. Springer, Milano. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-88-470-2103-7_3
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-88-470-2103-7_3
Publisher Name: Springer, Milano
Print ISBN: 978-88-470-2165-5
Online ISBN: 978-88-470-2103-7
eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive