Multiday cycles of heart rate are associated with seizure likelihood: An observational cohort study

Authors: Philippa J.Karoly, Rachel E.Stirling, Dean R.Freestone, Ewan S.Nurse, Matias I.Maturana, Amy J. Halliday, Andrew Neal, Nicholas M.Gregge, Benjamin H. Brinkmann, Mark P.Richardson, Andre La Gerche, David B.Grayden, Wendyl D’Souza and Mark J. Cook

Published: 10/1/2021 • The Lancet EBioMedicine • Open

Abstract

Circadian and multiday rhythms are found across many biological systems, including cardiology, endocrinology, neurology, and immunology. In people with epilepsy, epileptic brain activity and seizure occurrence have been found to follow circadian, weekly, and monthly rhythms. Understanding the relationship between these cycles of brain excitability and other physiological systems can provide new insight into the causes of multiday cycles. The brain-heart link has previously been considered in epilepsy research, with potential implications for seizure forecasting, therapy, and mortality (i.e., sudden unexpected death in epilepsy).