Resistant hypertension and epileptic seizures: a possible modulatory role of renal denervation – a case report
Antonio Bustos-Merlo, Alberto Fajardo-Muñoz, Teresa Bretones-Del Pino, Eduardo Molina-Navarro, Fernando Jaén-ÁguilaAbstract
Background
Renal denervation (RDN) is an emerging therapy for selected patients with resistant hypertension. Its broader autonomic effects may extend beyond blood pressure regulation.
Case summary
A 57-year-old man with resistant hypertension treated with six antihypertensive drugs and recurrent autonomic and generalized seizures underwent radiofrequency RDN. At 3 months, ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) showed sustained improvement (24 h mean 139/87 mmHg), enabling therapy de-escalation. Generalized tonic–clonic seizures resolved, and autonomic/focal events markedly decreased without changes in antiepileptic medication.
Discussion
This case illustrates a potential extrapressor effect of RDN mediated by modulation of sympathetic overactivity. Although causality cannot be drawn from a single case, the parallel neurological improvement supports exploring RDN’s role in conditions involving autonomic dysregulation, including certain epileptic syndromes.