Pre-ictal autonomic changes

SummaryAutonomic measures frequently alter with seizure activity and with brain state and so theoretically, there could be pre-ictal changes in autonomic function. However, there are considerable confounders. First, the measurement of autonomic function is not straightforward; heart rate and measures derived form heart rate have been those that have used the most in assessing changes in autonomic function. Second, autonomic function can vary considerably over the 24 h cycle and can change suddenly depending on internal and external stimuli (e.g. fear, pain) and so any measures of changes in autonomic function will lose specificity. Third, changes in autonomic function in response to seizures, depends upon the individual, seizure type and spread of the seizure and even then can vary from seizure to seizure in the same individual. The idea that there will be well-defined, unique autonomic changes that occur in the pre-ictal period is very unlikely. These factors make it unlikely that autonomic function monitoring can be used successfully as a means of seizure prediction. However, in sleep, changes in autonomic function relate to changes in arousal state and since such states and the transition between such states may predict seizure occurrence in certain individuals, autonomic function could be a helpful determinant of seizure risk at certain stages of sleep. This hypothesis has, however, yet to be tested.