Syncope

From IKE

Syncope is the transient loss of consciousness with spontaneous recovery which does not require defibrillation, commonly referred to as a blackout, faint, spell, or collapse. While the patient is unconscious, he or she is unresponsive. However, this state is not the same as coma, cardiac arrest, drowsiness, or generalized seizure. Often, syncope is preceded by presyncope. Syncope is usually caused by a reduction in cerebral blood flow (hypotension), which is why reduced oxygen or glucose can mimic syncope.

Usually, syncope has cardiac causes (95%), and most of those are reactive (75%).

When a patient has a syncopal episode, she or he should undergo an initial assessment for the airway, breathing and circulation (the ABCs). Taking a history is also useful, including taking reports from witnesses. Testing may include an electrocardiogram (EKG), echocardiogram, blood work, Holter test, electroencephalogram (EEG), and such.

There are several types of syncope, including vasovagal, situational and reactive syncope. Bradycardia is more often responsible for syncopal episodes than is tachycardia, though sadly bradycardia is more difficult to detect.