Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

#Phase 2.2: Elderly & Chronic Care > Syncope > Flashcards

Syncope Flashcards

1
Q

What is syncope?

A

Temporarily losing consciousness bc disruption of blood flow to brain

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What is a vasovagal episode?

A

Problem with Autonomic Nervous System regulating blood flow to the brain

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What are the 7 steps of a Vasovagal episode?

A
  1. Stimulus: emotional event / painful sensation / change in temp
  2. Parasympathetic Nervous System stimulated
  3. PNS counteracts SNS (which vasoconstricts blood vessels to brain)
  4. Blood vessels to brain relax
  5. Cerebral Circulation BP drops
  6. Hypoperfusion of brain tissue
  7. Patient loses consciousness
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What is the feeling patients feel before a syncope episode called?

A

Prodrome

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What do patients feel in the Prodrome period before a syncope episode? (6 things)

A
  1. Hot / clammy
  2. Sweaty
  3. Heavy
  4. Dizzy
  5. Blurry vision / dark
  6. Headache
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What may a collateral history from a person who witnessed a syncope event show? (3 things)

A
  1. Sudden loss of consciousness + fall to ground
  2. Unconscious on ground for few seconds to minute as blood returns to brain
  3. Twitching / shaking / convulsion (could confuse for seizure)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What is similar between syncope events and seizures? (3 things)

A
  1. Twitching / shaking / convulsion
  2. Groggy after
  3. Incontinence
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

How would you differentiate a syncope event from a seizure? (4 things)

A

Seizure = groggy after but called postictal period:
1. Prolonged period of confusion
2. Drowsinesss
3. Irritability
4. Disorientation

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

Is Prolonged upright position before the event associated with Syncope or Seizures?

A

Syncope

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Is Epilepsy aura (smells, tastes or deja vu) before the event associated with Syncope or Seizures?

A

Seizures

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

Is Lightheaded before the event associated with Syncope or Seizures?

A

Syncope

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

Is Head turning or abnormal limb positions associated with Syncope or Seizures?

A

Seizures

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Is Sweating before the event associated with Syncope or Seizures?

A

Syncope

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Is Tonic clonic activity associated with Syncope or Seizures?

A

Seizures

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Is Blurring or clouding of vision before the event associated with Syncope or Seizures?

A

Syncope

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Is Tongue biting associated with Syncope or Seizures?

17
Q

Is Reduced tone during the episode associated with Syncope or Seizures?

18
Q

Is Cyanosis associated with Syncope or Seizures?

19
Q

Is Return of consciousness shortly after falling associated with Syncope or Seizures?

20
Q

Is Lasts more than 5 minutes associated with Syncope or Seizures?

21
Q

Is No prolonged post-ictal period associated with Syncope or Seizures?

22
Q

Is Prolonged post-ictal period associated with Syncope or Seizures?

23
Q

What are the primary causes of syncope? (4 things)

A
  1. Dehydration
  2. Missed meals
  3. Standing for long time in warm environment (e.g 11 November minute silence)
  4. Vasovagal (emotional event / pain / seeing blood)
24
Q

What are the secondary causes of syncope? (6 things)

A
  1. Hypoglycaemia
  2. Anaemia
  3. Arrhythmias
  4. Valvular heart disease
  5. Infection
  6. Anaphylaxis
25
Q

What should you do when examining a Syncope patient? (5 things)

A
  1. Any physical injuries bc fall (e.g head injury)
  2. Any concurrent illness (e.g infection)
  3. Neuro exam
  4. CVS exam (esp Pulses, HR, Rhythm, Murmurs)
  5. BP (lying + standing)
26
Q

What investigations should do for a Syncope patient? (4 things)

A
  1. ECG (esp check arrhythmia / long QT syndrome)
  2. 24 hr ECG (if sus paroxysmal arrhythmia)
  3. Echo (if sus structural heart disease)
  4. Bloods
27
Q

What are you looking for in a bloods of a Syncope patient? (3 things)

A
  1. FBC (anaemia)
  2. Electrolytes (arrhythmias / seizures)
  3. Blood glucose (diabetes)
28
Q

What is the management for recurrent Syncope episodes?

A

Ntn, usually resolves by adulthood

29
Q

What is the most important aspect of managing a Syncope patient?

A

Confident diagnosis and excluding other pathology

30
Q

What advice should you give a simple vasovagal episode patient? (4 things)

A
  1. Avoid dehydration
  2. Avoid missing meals
  3. Avoid standing still for long periods
  4. If experiencing prodrome: sit / lie down / have water / eat

#Phase 2.2: Elderly & Chronic Care (8 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2025 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions