Seizure spread into the autonomic nervous system can result in life-threatening
cardiovascular and respiratory dysfunction. Here we report on a less-studied consequence
of such autonomic derangements—the possibility of laryngospasm and upper-airway
occlusion. We used parenteral kainic acid to induce recurring seizures in urethane-
anesthetized Sprague Dawley rats. EEG recordings and combinations of cardiopulmonary
monitoring, including video laryngoscopy, were performed during multi-unit recordings of …