Syncope

Question 1

What is syncope?

Answer 1

Temporarily losing consciousness due to a disruption of blood flow to the brain

Question 2

What is another term for vasovagal syncope?

Answer 2

Fainting

Question 3

What is the episode prior to fainting called?

Answer 3

Prodrome

Question 4

What symptoms can occur in the prodrome period?

Answer 4

Hot or clammy
Sweaty
Heavy
Dizzy or lightheaded
Vision going blurry or dark
Headache

Question 5

Why is a collateral history after a syncopal episode important?

Answer 5

To get an accurate impression of what happened

Question 6

What are the possible causes of a syncopal episode?

Answer 6

Dehydration
Missed meals
Extended standing in a warm environment
A vasovagal response to a stimuli

Question 7

What stimuli can result in a syncopal episode?

Answer 7

Surprise
Pain
The sight of blood

Question 8

How can syncope be dfferentiated from a seizure?

Answer 8

Prolonged upright position before the event
Lightheaded before the event
Sweating before the event
Blurring or clouding of vision before the event
Reduced tone during the episode
Return of consciousness shortly after falling
No prolonged post-ictal period