Syncope (fainting)

A 3-part series on the common but perplexing problem of syncope

Syncope - loss of consciousness or fainting - is an extremely common symptom. In most cases people who have syncope recover quickly, and are not at especially high risk once the episode is finished.

Unfortunately, however, some causes of syncope are quite dangerous. This means it is important to determine accurately whether somebody who loses consciousness has one of the "run-of-the-mill," benign types of syncope, or instead one of the more dangerous kinds that may indicate that sudden death is looming.

And even more unfortunately, because there are so many possible causes of syncope, doctors tend to become confused in sorting things out. Unless the patient him or herself has some idea of what is supposed to happen, a disorganized doctor can make an expensive, painful or even fatal mistake.

This series of three articles is intended to arm you with the information you need so that, if you or a loved one is evaluated or treated for syncope, you'll have some idea of what ought to be happening, and of what kinds of answers your doctor needs to provide for you.

Part 1 - First, Let's Make Sure You Don't Die (The evaluation of cardiac syncope)

Part 2 - Evaluating Non-Cardiac Syncope (including vasovagal syncope)

Part 3 - Treatment of Syncope