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Chapter-10 Syncope/Drop Attacks

BOOK TITLE: Clinical Neurology Made Easy

Author
1. Srinivas HV
ISBN
9789352702510
DOI
10.5005/jp/books/14202_11
Edition
1/e
Publishing Year
2018
Pages
4
Author Affiliations
1. Agadi Hospital and Sagar Hospital, Bengaluru; Narayana Institute of Neurosciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Chapter keywords
Syncope, drop attack, cerebral hypoperfusion, cerebral blood flow, vasovagal syncope, situational syncope, cardiac syncope, carotid sinus hypersensitivity, orthostatic hypotension

Abstract

Syncope is the transient loss of consciousness with spontaneous recovery due to cerebral hypoperfusion. It is a self-limiting condition. The brain is dependent on continuous supply of blood which is pumped by the heart. When a person is standing or sitting, the heart has to pump the blood against the gravity to the overhead tank—the brain. Any condition which leads to transient decrease in cerebral blood flow to brain can cause syncope. This chapter covers the clinical manifestations of syncope, management of syncope, and types of syncope. Presyncope warning symptoms before losing consciousness, which typically happens while the patient is standing, consists of blurring of vision, light headedness, dizziness, noises becoming distant, sweating and gradual slumping to the ground.

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