Loss of Consciousness Flashcards
1
Q
Life threatening causes (8)
A
- MI
- Cardiac arrythmia
- Head trauma
- PE
- Loss of blood so hypovolemia
- TIA
- Status epilepticus
- Adrenal crisis
2
Q
Syncope causes of LOS - 5
A
- Vasovagal
- situational
- Carotid sinus syndrome
- Orthostatic hypotension
- Cardiac syncope
3
Q
Non-syncope causes of LOS - 1
A
- Epilepsy or seizure
4
Q
Vasovagal syncope signs (3 Ps)
A
Posture - came on after prolonged standing
Provoking factor - fear, pain, phobias, dehydration
Progressive prodrome - such as pallor, sweating, nausea, vomiting beforehand
5
Q
Signs of situational syncope
A
It occurs immediately after a specific trigger e.g. straining during micturition, coughing, excercise, laughing
6
Q
Signs of carotid sinus syndrome
A
NB - this is where baroreceptors in CS are hypersensitive
- syncope is triggered by head rotation as pressure is on carotid sinus
- fall in systolic BP of more than 50
7
Q
Signs of orthostatic hypotension
A
- occured whilst standing, exercise, straining
- symptoms of dizziness, fatigue, visual disturbance
- symptoms reduce when lying down
8
Q
Causes of othostatic hypotension
A
- PoTS
- hypovolemia
- heart failure
- arrhythmias
- valve disease
9
Q
Signs of cardiac syncope
A
- occured during exertion
- heart failure history
- heart murmer
- palpitations before the syncope
- breathlessness
