TRANSIENT NEUROLOGICAL MANIFESTATIONS IN CARDIAC ARRHYTHMIAS

Unusual and transitory symptoms of cerebral dysfunction occurring as a result of temporary impairment of cardiac rate and rhythm are described. Episodes of vertigo, aphasia, ataxia, hemiparesis, epileptic and psychotic attacks and coma were observed in these patients. Either a decrease or an increase in heart rate were sometimes responsible for the reduction in cardiac output and presumably in cerebral blood flow, producing intermittent ischaemia of the brain. Early diagnosis and treatment of such cardiac conditions may prevent, in certain cases, the appearance of transient or more lasting neurological manifestations. © 1969.