Syncope

What is a Syncope?

Syncope is a sudden, brief loss of consciousness (a loss of postural tone) secondary to reduced blood flow to the brain & recovery is spontaneous.

Pre syncope or near syncope is a ‘feeling of faint’ without actual loss of consciousness. Up to 15% children experience at least one syncopal episode prior to the end of adolescence.

Most children with syncope do not have any serious heart disease.

Simple faint or Vaso-vagal episode is the commonest cause of syncope.

More recently orthostatic intolerance (which refers to the pooling of blood in the lower limbs on standing) has been noticed as another common cause in adolescents

Heart diseases either in the form of a cardiomyopathy or cardiac arrhythmia account for about 2% of children with syncope.

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What are the symptoms of syncope?

The most common syncope symptoms include:

Blacking out.
Feeling lightheaded.
Falling for no reason.
Feeling dizzy.
Feeling drowsy or groggy.
Fainting, especially after eating or exercising.
Feeling unsteady or weak when standing.
Changes in vision, such as seeing spots or having tunnel vision.
Headaches.

How is syncope diagnosed?

Syncope can be diagnosed by carrying out a physical exam and a careful review of your child’s and family medical history. Also a detailed history will be taken about your child’s symptoms and syncope episodes.

A series of investigations will be carried out the determine the causes of the condition, such as

Abulatory monitor.
Blood test
Chest x-ray
Ecg
Echocardiogram
Standing and exercise test

Management and Treatment

Any identified cardiac causes need to be treated by medications and monitored closely.

Paediatric Diagnostics provide investigation and treatment for child suffering from syncope at our private clinic in West Sussex.

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Our Medical Consultants and Surgeons are registered with the GMC (General Medical Council) and are regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). The CQC is an independent regulator for health and social care in England.

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