Syncope Flashcards
What is syncope
LOC due to vascular disruption
Also known as vasovagal episode/fainyting
How does syncope rpesent
→ prodromal - what the patient felt prior to the attack → Hot or clammy/ sweaty/ heavy/ light headed/dizzy/blurry vision/headache
→ Suddenly losing consciousness and falling to the ground
→ Unconscious on the ground for a few seconds to a minute as blood returns to their brain
→ There may be some twitching, shaking or convulsion activity, which can be confused with a seizure
Caues of syncope
Primary causes:
Dehydration, missed meals, overheating, vasovagal response to stimuli (shock, surprise)
Secondary causes:
Hypoglycemia
dehydratiin
anaemia
infection
anaphylaxis
arryhtmias
valvular heart disease
How does vasovagal stimulation lead to syncope
Strong stimulus in vagus nerve→ parasympathetic NS stimulated → Counteracts sympathetic NS → blood vessels delivering blood to brain vasodilation → Cerebral circulation BP drops → hypoperfusion of brain
