Blackouts

Question 1

need to work out if it is seizures or syncope:

• warning?

Answer 1

Seizures:
>50% have an aura, like deja vu or smell

Syncope:
felt faint, lightheaded, blurred vision

Question 2

need to work out if it is seizures or syncope:

onset?

Answer 2

seizures: sudden, any position
syncope: only sitting or standing - avoidable by change in posture

Question 3

need to work out if it is seizures or syncope:

features?

Answer 3

seizures: eyes open, rigidity, convulses, falls backwards
syncope: falls forwards, eyes closed, limp

Question 4

need to work out if it is seizures or syncope:

recovery?

other features:

Answer 4

seizures: confused, headache, sleepy,
syncope: pale, washed out, cold and clammy
seizure: tongue biting. loss of bladder control is common
syncope: loss of bladder control is rare