Cardiac Arrest in Frontal Lobe Epilepsy: A Potential Cause of Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy.

BACKGROUND

Mechanisms involved in the causation of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) are not well understood. Ictal asystole has been identified as a cause of SUDEP in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy. Herein, we report a patient who developed cardiac arrest during the ictal period of frontal lobe epilepsy.

CASE REPORT: A 35-year-old man presented with a history of progressive nocturnal stiffness in the left lower extremity since 6 years and that of paroxysmal episodes of altered consciousness. In the last 2 years, he sustained epileptic seizures which presented as closed eyes, wheezy phlegm in the throat, facial pallor, moist cold skin, clenched fists, and limb stiffness; the episodes lasted 3-4 min. The seizures did not respond to antiepileptic therapy. Twenty four-hour electrocardiography monitoring showed transient atrial tachycardia, supraventricular premature beats, and cardiac arrest.

CONCLUSION

Frontal lobe epilepsy may be a potential cause of SUDEP. Clinician should be aware of this condition.