What is a near-syncope episode?
Fainting (syncope) is a temporary loss of consciousness (passing out). This happens when blood flow to the brain is reduced. Near-fainting (near-syncope) is like fainting, but you do not fully pass out. Instead, you feel like you are going to pass out, but do not actually lose consciousness.
What is the most common cause of near-syncope?
The type you have depends on what causes the problem. Vasovagal syncope is the most common type of syncope. It is caused by a sudden drop in blood pressure, which causes a drop in blood flow to the brain. When you stand up, gravity causes blood to settle in the lower part of your body, below your diaphragm.
What is presyncope or syncope?
Presyncope or near-syncope is often ill-defined and may have different meanings to different providers but denotes near fainting or a prodrome of syncope. The most uniform definition is “feeling like one was going to pass out but without actual loss of consciousness.” Near syncope can last for seconds to minutes.
What are the symptoms of presyncope?
Symptoms of presyncope can include:
- lightheadedness, general weakness.
- dizziness.
- confusion.
- tunnel vision, blurry vision.
- slurred speech.
- trouble hearing.
- sweating.
- nausea or vomiting.
What is workup for syncope?
The initial assessment for all patients presenting with syncope includes a detailed history, physical examination, and electrocardiography. The initial evaluation may diagnose up to 50% of patients and allows immediate short-term risk stratification.
What can cause Presyncope?
Some causes for presyncope include:
- a temporary drop in blood pressure.
- dehydration.
- prolonged standing.
- intense nausea or pain.
- hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, which may or may not be due to diabetes.
- neurally mediated hypotension, which causes your blood pressure to drop when you stand up from a sitting or lying position.
What is cough syncope?
Cough syncope is a well-known entity which results in loss of consciousness during episodes of cough. It commonly occurs in patients with severe chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD) and asthma. We report a 50-year-old African American male who presented with a syncopal episode during vigorous bout of coughing.