DSA Lightheadedness, Dizziness, Syncope

Question 1

Define: Disequillibrium

Answer 1

sense of imbalance primarily when walking

Question 2

Define: Syncope

Answer 2

clinical syndrome with transient loss of consciousness (TLOC)

Question 3

Define: Presyncope

Answer 3

prodromal symptom of fainting or near fainting with no loss of consciousness

Question 4

Define: Vertigo

Answer 4

described as a false sense of motion or spinning

Question 5

Why would you check for conjunctival pallor if they present with dizziness or LH?

Answer 5

anemia - skin pallor can mean anemia too

Question 6

What are common tests for dizziness/LH?

Answer 6

• Orthostatic vital signs
• ECG
• Evaluate rate and rhythm
• Holter monitor
• Event (loop) monitor
• Implantable loop recorder
• Echocardiogram
• Tilt-Table Test
• Electroencephalogram (seizure)
• Carotid Doppler US
• Carotid sinus massage
• Basic blood work

Question 7

What are the three types of syncope?

Answer 7

a. Cardiac
b. Reflex (Most common)
c. Orthostatic Hypotension

Question 8

What is Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)?

Answer 8

• LVH without a clear secondary cause
• genetic cuase
• sx: typically asymptomatic, but can have dyspnea on exertion, fatigue, chest pain, presyncope, syncope, palpitations

*can lead to SCD, HF, MR, Arrhythmias