Syncope

BASICS

DESCRIPTION

Brief loss of consciousness due to transient cerebral hypoperfusion with loss of postural tone and spontaneous recovery

GENERAL PREVENTION

Avoiding circumstances predisposing to the most common form of syncope (vasovagal)
Sitting or lying down when warning signs occur
Maintaining adequate hydration, especially during illness/exertion

PATHOPHYSIOLOGY

The most common mechanism is vasovagal or neurocardiogenic in which a variety of stimuli and conditions—pain, heat, dehydrated state, emotional upset, carotid pressure—trigger increased vagal tone, leading to slowed heart rate, peripheral vasodilatation, and decreased cerebral perfusion.

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