A 36-year-old man, treated for epilepsy since early childhood was hosp
italized for nocturnal paroxysmal disorders. The EEG-EKG-video monitor
ing revealed complex partial seizures with bradycardia secondary to a
sine-auricular block. The occurrence of autonomic disturbances during
seizures is well known, mostly described in temporal epilepsy. Ictal b
radycardia, with asystole, has been unfrequently reported while tachyc
ardia appears more common. A systematic investigation of cardiac data
synchronized with EEG recordings, especially in case of aspecific fain
ting, could give a more accurate diagnosis and treatment, and so reduc
ing sudden unexplained death in epileptic patients.