Manifested U-Waves Prior to Seizure Attacks in a Patient Who Had Remote Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Case Report

Ann Noninvasive Electrocardiol. 2024 Sep;29(5):e70014. doi: 10.1111/anec.70014.

Abstract

Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) refers to unpredictable demise of a person following a seizure. Electroencephalograms can directly measure electrical activity in the brain; however, it cannot predict when seizures will occur. The use of electrocardiograms (ECGs) to monitor changes in brain electrical activity has gained attention, recently. In this case report, we retrospectively reviewed ECGs taken before and after seizure activity in a 75-year-old male who had a remote subarachnoid hemorrhage. Interestingly, U-waves appeared prior to his seizures and disappeared afterward, which suggests ECGs can be used to predict epilepsy in a certain population.

Keywords: ECG; U‐wave; repolarization; seizure.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Electrocardiography* / methods
  • Electroencephalography / methods
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Seizures* / etiology
  • Seizures* / physiopathology
  • Subarachnoid Hemorrhage* / complications
  • Subarachnoid Hemorrhage* / physiopathology
  • Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy