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BMJ Case Reports 2009; doi:10.1136/bcr.10.2008.1024
  • Unusual association of diseases/symptoms

Seizure or syncope? A channelopathy with cardiac and cerebral manifestation

  1. Christian H Nolte,
  2. Rüdiger Wenzel
  1. Charite, Berlin, Neurology, Hindenburgdamm 30, Berlin, 12200, Germany
  1. Christian H Nolte, christian.nolte{at}charite.de
  • Published 14 April 2009

Summary

A 24-year-old woman was diagnosed with long QT syndrome (LQTS) because of recurring losses of consciousness. She was implanted with a cardioverter-defibrillator, but losses of consciousness reoccurred. Genetic analysis proved LQTS. An electroencephalogram showed spontaneous generalised spikes and polyspike waves with a 3–4/s frequency. Losses of consciousness ceased only after antiepileptic treatment. We conclude that it may by worthwhile scrutinising patients with LQTS for subtle epileptic activity to find evidence for a cerebral manifestation of a disease thought to be confined to the heart.

Footnotes

  • Competing interests: none.

  • Patient consent: Patient/guardian consent was obtained for publication

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