Vasovagal Syncope Flashcards
1
Q
ESSENCE
A
Transient loss of consciousness seconcary to poor cerebral nutrient flow
2
Q
3 types of syncope
A
Reflex, orthostatic and cardiac
3
Q
Key features of syncope
A
- Rapid onset
- Loss of conscioussness is of short duration
- Recovery is complete and spontaneous
4
Q
AETIOLOGY
Reflex syncope (neurally mediated reflex syncope)
A
- Vasovagal syncope
- Carotid sinus syncope
- Syncope with minor stimulation of carotid sinus (shaving, ties, minor pressure)
- Situational syncope
5
Q
Triggers for vasovagal syncope
A
- Emotional stress/fear
- Blood phobia
- Pain
6
Q
Triggers for situational syncope
A
- Coughing/sneezing
- Defecation
- Post-prandial
7
Q
AETIOLOGY
Orthostatic syncope
A
Autonomic dysfunction
8
Q
AETIOLOGY
Cardiac syncope
A
- Arrhythmia
- Structural heart disease
9
Q
AETIOLOGY
Neurogenic syncope
A
Stroke/vascular insufficiency (vertebrobasilar artery)
10
Q
CLINICAL FEATURES
Symptoms
A
- Faint
- Pre-syncope
- Lightheadedness
- Palpitations
- Visual changes
11
Q
INVESTIGATIONS
A
- ECG - rule out cardiac cause
- ECHO - when structural cause suspected
12
Q
Key differential
A
- Seizure
13
Q
Differentiating factors from seizure
A
- Seizure has
- Bilateral tongue biting
- Prolonged confusion after consciousness regained
14
Q
MANAGEMENT
General principles
A
- Treatment guided towards underlying cause of syncope
- Vasovagal can be discharged if no lab abnormalities
- If cardiogenic referal for further diagnostic work
15
Q
COMPLICATIONS
Key complication
A
Fractures
