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  Syncope 
Synonym(s):  Fainting
Reviewed  05-09-2002  

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Table of Contents (click to jump to sections)

What is Syncope?
Is there any treatment?
What is the prognosis?
What research is being done?

Organizations
Additional resources from MEDLINEplus

What is Syncope?
Syncope is the temporary loss of consciousness due to a sudden decline in blood flow to the brain. It may be caused by an irregular cardiac rate or rhythm or by changes of blood volume or distribution. Syncope can occur in otherwise healthy people. The patient feels faint, dizzy, or lightheaded (presyncope), or loses consciousness (syncope).

Is there any treatment?
Non-cardiac syncope is treated acutely by lying down with the legs elevated. Infrequent episodes of non-cardiac syncope usually do not require treatment.

What is the prognosis?
Syncope is a dramatic event and can even be life-threatening if not treated appropriately. Generally, however, recovery is usually complete within minutes to hours.

What research is being done?
The NINDS supports and conducts studies aimed at understanding conditions such as "neurocardiogenic syncope." The goals of these studies are to clarify the mechanisms of these conditions and to find ways to prevent and treat them.

Select this link to view a list of studies currently seeking patients.

 Organizations

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHBLI)
National Institutes of Health
Bldg. 31, Rm. 4A21
Bethesda, MD 20892
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov
Tel: 301-592-8573 800-575-WELL (-9355)


NINDS health-related material is provided for information purposes only and does not necessarily represent endorsement by or an official position of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke or any other Federal agency. Advice on the treatment or care of an individual patient should be obtained through consultation with a physician who has examined that patient or is familiar with that patient's medical history.

All NINDS-prepared information is in the public domain and may be freely copied. Credit to the NINDS or the NIH is appreciated.


Provided by:
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
National Institutes of Health
Bethesda, MD 20892




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