Carotid sinus syndrome masquerading as treatment resistant epilepsy

Abstract

A 65 year old woman had a 12 year history of frequent, recurrent seizure-like episodes labelled as treatment resistant epilepsy after neurological evaluation and follow up and treatment with multiple antiepileptic medications. Carotid sinus massage provoked 5.6 seconds asystole with symptom reproduction, and she has remained symptom-free after permanent pacemaker implantation for her carotid sinus syndrome and withdrawal of anti-epileptic medications.