Syncope Flashcards
What is syncope caused by
Cerebral hypo perfusion
What is syncope associated with
With transient loss of consciousness and loss of postural tone
What causes syncope
- Postural hypotension
- Vasovagal scope
- Cardiac syncope
What is postural hypotension associated with
Associated with the transition from prolonged lying/sitting to standing
Prolonged episodes of standing still
What is vasovagal syncope
Overstimulation of the vagus nerve causing a bradycardiac episode
What is a common cause of vagus nerve stimulation in dental setting
Pain and fear
What is a cardiac syncope associated with
A sudden arrhythmia or with structural changes such as pulmonary embolism or coronary thrombosis
Most syncope episodes that occur in dental setting are described as what in origin
Benign in origin
What do we mean by benign in origin
Postural hypotension
Vasocagal
What is syncope not associated with
Erratic muscle movement
Describe a benign syncopal episode
Last 20-30 seconds and recovery is spontaneous and complete
Recurrence is rare when returned to upright position
What are the pre- syncopal warming signs or a benign syncopal episode
Dizzy
Faint
Nausea
Visual disturbances
Describe the medical history or a patient who had a benign syncopal episode
No significant cardiac history
No cardiac symptoms preceding syncopal episode
Describe a red flag syncopal episode
Last longer than 4 minutes and patient remains drowsy and vague
There are no warning signs and recurrence can occur in the upright position
Describe the medical history or a patient who had a red flag syncopal episode
Significant cardiac history
Cardiac symptoms preceding syncopal episode eg chest pain, bradycardia, palpitation
