Venipuncture Fits: A Form of Reflex Anoxic Seizure

Abstract

Blood banks and hospital laboratories all too often observe the phenomenon of a syncopal episode associated with bloodletting in an otherwise healthy patient. However, during the syncopal episode it is unusual for these patients to develop a generalized seizure. We recently studied a child who had a history of seizures following venipuncture. Utilizing ECG and EEG monitoring during venipuncture, we determined that these episodes were not true epileptic seizures but rather anoxic convulsions secondary to vagal asystole. CASE REPORT D.D., an 11-year-old girl, had her first generalized seizure following blood drawing at age 3 years. At least ten similar episodes have occurred with the seizure beginning one to two minutes after venipuncture.