Syncope

Sudden, temporary loss of consciousness and postural tone due to transient global cerebral hypoperfusion, with rapid and complete spontaneous recovery. It is typically preceded by a brief prodrome and lacks postictal confusion, distinguishing it from epileptic seizures.

Causes

• Vasovagal syncope

  • Stress

  • Fear

  • Anxiety

  • Pain

  • Emotional stimuli

• Orthostatic syncope

  • Dehydration

  • Medications: Antihypertensive, diuretics

  • Hypoglycemia

  • Postural hypotension

  • Autonomic dysfunction

• Cardiovascular causes

  • Arrhythmia

  • Heart valve disease

  • Heart failure

  • Structural heart disease

  • Pulmonary embolism

  • Blood loss