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Impaired baroreflex function in temporal lobe epilepsy.

Impaired baroreflex function in temporal lobe epilepsy.

Authors :
Dütsch M
Hilz MJ
Devinsky O
Source :
Journal of neurology [J Neurol] 2006 Oct; Vol. 253 (10), pp. 1300-8. Date of Electronic Publication: 2006 Oct 13.
Publication Year :
2006

Abstract

Changes of cardiovascular function are frequent in temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). The baroreflex - the most important reflex for cardiovascular stability - has not been studied systematically in TLE. We evaluated cardiovascular variability and baroreflex function in TLE. In 22 TLE patients and 20 controls, we continuously monitored heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP). Time-domain parameters were derived from recordings at rest and from standard cardiovascular reflex tests. Spectral analysis determined sympathetic and parasympathetic modulation of HR and BP in the low (LF-power) and high frequency range (HF-power). We calculated the relative LF- and HF-powers of HR in relation to the sum of LF- and HF-powers. LF/HF-ratio of HR was assessed as a parameter of sympatheticovagal balance. LF-transfer function gain between BP and HR determined baroreflex function.Time-domain parameters did not differ between TLE patients and controls. Spectral analysis showed decreased absolute LF- and HF-powers but increased relative LF-power and LF/HF-ratio of HR in TLE. LF-transfer function gain between BP and HR was reduced in TLE (p<0.05). The reduction of absolute LF- and HF-powers indicates decreased total autonomic variability in TLE. However, increased relative LF-power and LF/HF-ratio of HR in TLE show a relative increase of sympathetic tone. Most importantly, we demonstrate an impaired baroreflex function in TLE. These cardiovascular autonomic abnormalities may contribute to cardiac arrhythmia in TLE.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
0340-5354
Volume :
253
Issue :
10
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Journal of neurology
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
17041741
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00415-006-0210-3