P264 Syncope

About This Course

Usually defined as a transient loss of consciousness due to cerebral ischaemia caused by a reduction in blood supply to the brain. Vasodilatation causes pooling of blood in the peripheries and vagal stimulation causes slowing of the heart. This combination causes a dramatic fall in blood pressure. Inadequate cerebral perfusion (and oxygenation) results in loss of consciousness. This most commonly occurs with low blood pressure caused by vagal overactivity (a vasovagal attack, simple faint, or syncope). This in turn may follow emotional stress or pain. Some patients are more prone to this and have a history of repeated faints.

Learning Outcomes

Aims

• To become aware of the signs, symptoms and management of a faint.

Objectives

On completion of this module, you will be able to describe the signs and symptoms of a faint, describe the management of a faint and discuss alternative reasons for loss of consciousness.