In general, pediatric epilepsy consists of transient cardiac events. Adult seizures, particularly those with underlying cardiovascular conditions, pose risk to the cardiovascular system, including cardiac ischemia. Respiratory changes are possible across the lifespan, from infants to older adults.
Cardiac function seems to be dependent upon the type of seizure occurring. The majority of complex partial, tonic-clonic and temporal lobe seizures are associated with increased heart rate. This increase in heart rate trends in a steep acceleration initially then has marked variations at the time of seizure and postictally. Tachycardia rates that reach a certain threshold may cause low cardiac output and possibly lead to cardiogenic shock. (91) Tachycardia …show more content…
These are associated with seizures of longer duration and generalized tonic-clonic seizures. In relation to ST-segment elevation, cardiac ischemia is possible; however it is unlikely to occur in conjunction with uncomplicated seizures. (92) Ventricular arrhythmias are affected in susceptibility by myocyte myofilament damage and arrhythmogenic alterations. Lethal ventricular arrhythmias are at an increased risk for occurrence post-seizure with prolonged seizure activity. (Bealer)
Respiratory changes occurring ictally are associated with tonic-clonic seizures as well as partial seizures, including apnea in children and infants. In some instances of seizure activity, apnea is present early in the seizure, followed by bradycardia. Apnea, along with respiratory pauses, bradypnea and tachypnea is possible, with tachypnea occurring during most generalized seizures. Hypoventilation or respiratory arrest that may occur during the seizure is due to diminished central respiratory drive or peripheral obstruction related to “tetanic contraction of respiratory muscles.”
Cardiac function seems to be dependent upon the type of seizure occurring. The majority of complex partial, tonic-clonic and temporal lobe seizures are associated with increased heart rate. This increase in heart rate trends in a steep acceleration initially then has marked variations at the time of seizure and postictally. Tachycardia rates that reach a certain threshold may cause low cardiac output and possibly lead to cardiogenic shock. (91) Tachycardia …show more content…
These are associated with seizures of longer duration and generalized tonic-clonic seizures. In relation to ST-segment elevation, cardiac ischemia is possible; however it is unlikely to occur in conjunction with uncomplicated seizures. (92) Ventricular arrhythmias are affected in susceptibility by myocyte myofilament damage and arrhythmogenic alterations. Lethal ventricular arrhythmias are at an increased risk for occurrence post-seizure with prolonged seizure activity. (Bealer)
Respiratory changes occurring ictally are associated with tonic-clonic seizures as well as partial seizures, including apnea in children and infants. In some instances of seizure activity, apnea is present early in the seizure, followed by bradycardia. Apnea, along with respiratory pauses, bradypnea and tachypnea is possible, with tachypnea occurring during most generalized seizures. Hypoventilation or respiratory arrest that may occur during the seizure is due to diminished central respiratory drive or peripheral obstruction related to “tetanic contraction of respiratory muscles.”