FAINTING/SYNCOPE
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Syncope is defined as a transient, self-limited loss of consciousness with an inability to maintain postural tone that is followed by spontaneous recovery. It is characterized by a fast onset, short duration, and spontaneous recovery. It is due to a decrease in blood flow to the entire brain usually from low blood pressure.
Symptoms
- Prior faintness, dizziness, or light-headedness
- Prior vertigo, weakness, diaphoresis (excessive sweating), epigastria discomfort, nausea, blurred or faded vision, pallor, or paresthesias
- Exceptional onset, chest pain, dyspnea(shortness of breath), low back pain, palpitations, severe headache, focal neurologic deficits, diplopic, ataxia, or dysarthria
Causes
Central nervous system ischemia
Vertebro-basilar arterial disease
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Vasovagal
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Deglutition (Swallowing) syncope
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Cardiac arrhythmias
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Obstructive cardiac lesion
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Blood pressure (orthostatic hypotensive faints)
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Hypoglycaemia
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Psychological
Treatment
Management is always symptomatic and according to cause. Treatment may require the following:
Intravenous access
Oxygen administration
Advanced airway techniques
Glucose administration
Pharmacologic circulatory support
Pharmacologic or mechanical restraints
Defibrillation or temporary pacing