SYNCOPE

Question 1

What is medical emergencies?

Answer 1

A field of practice based on the
knowledge and skills required for the prevention, diagnosis and management of acute and URGENT aspects of illness
and injury

Question 2

When is a medical emergency likely to occur in dentistry?

Answer 2

During or after local anaesthesia
During extractions

Question 3

Define and discuss syncope

Answer 3

-A sudden, transient loss of consciousness without prodromal symptoms that is followed within seconds or minutes by the resumption of consciousness, usually with the premorbid status intact
-Usually occurs after cerebral ischaemia

Question 4

Define the following terms
-Ischaemia
-Coma

Answer 4

Ischaemia :An inadequate flow of blood to a part of the body, caused by CONSTRICTION or BLOCKAGE of the blood vessels supplying it
Coma: A state of unconsciousness from which the patient cannot be roused even by powerful stimulation

Question 5

Define the following terms
-Consciousness
-Unconsciousness

Answer 5

-Consciousness: Implies that an individual is capable of responding appropriately to questions or commands and that protective reflexes, including the ability to independently maintain a patent airway, are intact.
-Unconsciousness: A condition of being unaware of one’s surroundings or a lack of response to sensory stimulation.