Syncope Flashcards
1
Q
What is syncope?
A
Sudden, TLOC and postural tone with spontaneous recovery. Generally caused by generalised cerebral or reticular activating system hypoperfusion
2
Q
What are the types of syncope?
A
5 types of syncope:
- Vasomotor
- Cardiac
- CNS
- Metabolic
- Psychogenic
3
Q
What are the cardiac aetiologies of syncope?
A
- Dysrhythmia
- Outflow obstruction (PE, tamponade, tension pneumothorax, pul HTN)
- MI
- Valvular disease
4
Q
What are the non-cardiac aetiologies of syncope?
A
- Peripheral vascular (hypovolemia)
- Vasovagal
- Cerebrovascular disorders
- CNS
- Metabolic disturbances (e.g. EtOH)
5
Q
Mnemonic for causes of syncope?
A
HEAD HEART VeSSELS Hypoxia Epilepsy Anxiety Dysfunctional brainstem
Heart attack Embolism (PE) Aortic obstruction Rhythm disturbance Tachycardia
Vasovagal Situational Subclavian steal ENT (glosspharyngeal neuralgia) Low systemic vascular resistance Sensitive carotid sinus
6
Q
What are the physical findings in the elderly patient who falls?
A
I HATE FALLING Inflammation of joints Hypotension Auditory and visual changes Tremor (PD, other) Equilibrium problem Foot problems Arrhythmia, heart block, valve Leg length disrepancy Lack of conditioning Illness Nutrition Gait disturbance
7
Q
Examination in syncope?
A
CV, resp, neuro
8
Q
What is the San Francisco syncope rule?
A
High risk of adverse outcomes in syncope if: CHESS -CHF -Hct: low -ECG: abnormal -SOB: Hx of dyspnoea -SBP: SBP
9
Q
Mx syncope?
A
- ABC, IV, O2
- Examine for trauma due to syncope
- Cardiogenic: adm med/cardio
- Low risk: d/c with advice to follow up
