Syncope (Fainting)
Syncope is a transient loss of consciousness occurring suddenly and resolving spontaneously.
Pre-sncope can be thought of as dizziness, and needs to be distinguished from vertigo.
Syncope is caused by decreased cerebral perfusion.
Causes include:
- cardiac: arrhythmia, valvular disease, infarction, tamponade
- pulmonary: PE, tension pneumothorax, pulmonary hypertension
- decreased circulating blood volume
- hypoglycemia
- cerebrovascular disease
- vasovagal response
- orthostatic
- pregnancy
- ectopic pregnancy
Diagnosis
cardiac (postural blood pressure and heart rate), respiratory, and neurological exams
- assess any trauma from fall
ECG
labs: glucose; as needed: CBC, lytes, renal function tests, ABGs, troponin, Mg, Ca, beta-hCG