Syncope Flashcards
Prodrome
Can you tell me what happened just before you fainted?
Do you remember feeling anything before you fainted?
Was there any warning?
Did you have any symptoms like wobbly legs or light headedness?
Did it feel like sound or light was becoming distant before it happened?
Quality
Did someone see what happened?
How did they describe what happened to you?
How did you feel after you woke up/became conscious again?
Did someone see the event?
How did they describe things?
Severity
Not really applicable
Time course
Do you know how long you were unconscious for?
Has this ever happened before?
Context
What were you doing when you fainted?
Do you remember if you were sitting or standing?
Relieving factors
Did anything make you feel better after you woke up?
Aggravating factors
If it has happened before ask if anything makes it come on
Associated features
Did anybody notice anything else about you after you fainted?
Were you confused when you woke up?
Did you injure yourself when you fell?
Past medical history
Cardiac disease
What are the features of a prodrome in vasovagal as opposed to cardiac syncope
Light headed “Wobbly legs” Vision going dim Noises becoming distant
Cardiac = none
What are you looking to ascertain from the context question
If they were standing or lying/sitting
Vasovagal usually does not occur when sitting down or lying whilst cardiac syncope occurs anytime
What happens in the period after the event?
Vasovagal
Rapid recovery of consciousness Rarely confused Injury not common (reflexes preserved)
Cardiac
Rapid recovery of consciousness Rarely confused Injury may occur
What are the associated features of syncope (same for both)?
Features
Sweaty Pallor No frothing at mouth Incontinence
