Condition- Vasovagal Syncope Flashcards

1
Q

What is Vasovagal Syncope?

A

Loss of consciousness due to a transient drop in blood flow to the brain caused by excessive vagal discharge

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2
Q

List three different groups of causes of syncope?

A
  • Reflex syncope (neurally mediated)- this includes vasovagal
  • Orthostatic syncope
  • Cardiac Syncope
    • Arrhthymia
    • Outflow obstruction (AS or HOCM)
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3
Q

What is the most common cause of fainting?

A

Vasovagal Syncope

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4
Q

List two main triggers which may precipitate an episode of vasovagal syncope?

A
  • Extreme Emotions
    • fear
    • sever pain
    • blood phobia
  • Orthostatic stress
    • prolonged standing
    • hot weather- dehydration + warmth
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5
Q

Alongside LOC list some of the symptoms of syncope

A
  • BEFORE: may experience vagal symptoms:
    • sweating
    • pallor (from onlooker)
    • dizziness
    • light-headedness
  • DURING: LOC lasting a couple of mins, may get twitching
  • AFTER: quick recovery but may get fatigue
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6
Q

Which investigation might you conduct in someone who has just had an episode of syncope to rule out other causes

A
  • ECG- check for arrhythmias
  • Echo- check for outflow obstruction
  • Lying+standing BP- check for orthostatic hypotension
  • FBG: check for DM + hypoglycaemia
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7
Q

List some of the signs of HOCM

A
  • Usually aymtpomatic
  • Jerky carotid pulse
  • Double apex beat
  • ESM radiating to carotids
  • PMHx of sudden cardiac death at young age (<65yrs)
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