Syncope

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Syncope is a "transient loss of consciousness and postural tone caused by diminished blood flow to the brain (i.e., brain ischemia). Presyncope refers to the sensation of lightheadedness and loss of strength that precedes a syncopal event or accompanies an incomplete syncope."[1]

Diagnosis

History and physical

Having more than one prodrome symptom (e.g. dizzines, nausea) is predictive of vasovagal and psychogenic syncope.[2]

Testing

A p-wave longer than 120 ms on electrocardiogram is suggestive of a cardiac arrhythmia.[2]

References

  1. Anonymous (2024), Syncope (English). Medical Subject Headings. U.S. National Library of Medicine.
  2. 2.0 2.1 Graf D, Schlaepfer J, Gollut E, et al (2008). "Predictive models of syncope causes in an outpatient clinic". Int. J. Cardiol. 123 (3): 249–56. DOI:10.1016/j.ijcard.2006.12.007. PMID 17397948. Research Blogging.

See also