Evaluation and Management of Patients with Syncope

Syncope is one of the most common forms of transient loss of consciousness (TLOC) that is ultimately caused by global cerebral hypoperfusion. Syncope is commonly seen in the Emergency Department (ED) but is also seen in other settings to include hospital medicine or urgent care. There are three main classifications of syncope to include reflex syncope, orthostatic syncope, or cardiac syncope. There are several diagnostic measures, in addition to a thorough history and physical examination, to aid in the determination of a patient’s specific syncope classification. Proper management is highly dependent on underlying cause