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Video‐EEG in syncopal attack due to ocular compression in an adolescent mistreated for epilepsy
Author(s) -
Gelisse Philippe,
Serafini Anna,
Davy Jean Marc,
Balbe Marc,
Coubes Philippe,
Crespel Arielle
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
epileptic disorders
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.673
H-Index - 53
eISSN - 1950-6945
pISSN - 1294-9361
DOI - 10.1684/epd.2007.0101
Subject(s) - vasovagal syncope , syncope (phonology) , epilepsy , electroencephalography , medicine , epileptic seizure , anesthesia , cardiology , psychiatry
Vasovagal syncope can be confused with epileptic seizure. In this situation, eye compression may be performed during EEG. We present a video‐EEG of a patient in whom eye compression produced a typical syncope. Before this recording, the patient had been treated for five years with sodium valproate because of a misdiagnosis of epilepsy. The diagnosis of neurally‐mediated syncope was not difficult on the basis of the clinical history, but the reproduction of syncope reinforced the correct diagnosis. Ocular compression is now only indicated in exceptional circumstances and should be performed with precautions. The video of this episode in an adolescent should be of considerable educational value to those who are confronted to diagnostic work‐up of transient loss of consciousness. [Published with video sequences]