Physiology and pathophysiology of Syncope

Question 1

What is Syncope

Answer 1

Transitional loss of consciousness due to cerebral hypoperfusion, characterised by rapid, short duration, and spontaneous complete recovery

Question 2

3 categories of Syncope

Answer 2

Reflex syncope
Orthostatic Hypotension
Cardiac Syncope

Question 3

What is reflex syncope

Answer 3

Neural reflexes modify heart rate and/or vascular tone leading to fall in mean arterial blood pressure

Question 4

What are the types of reflex syncope

Answer 4

Vasovagal Syncope (VVS)
Situational Syncope
Carotid Syncope (CSS)

Question 5

What is Vasovagal reflex syncope

Answer 5

Faint triggered by emotional distressed or orthostatic stress

Question 6

What is situational reflex syncope

Answer 6

Faint during or immediately after specific trigger
(cough, micturition, swallowing)

Question 7

What is carotid sinus reflex syncope

Answer 7

Triggered by mechanical manipulation of the neck, shaving, tight collar

Question 8

What is Postural (Orthostatic) Hypotension

Answer 8

Failure of Baroreceptors responses to gravitational shift in blood when moving vertical

Question 9

What is Cardiac Syncope

Answer 9

Caused by Cardiac event resulting in sudden drop in cardiac output

Question 10

What can Cardiac syncope be caused by

Answer 10

Arrhythmias
Acute Myocardial infraction
Structural cardiac disease
Other cardiovascular disease