becoming a better Clinician
Altered Mental Status & Syncope
last updated: September 15, 2016
Orlando Debesa
Syncope
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Hypoxia (hypoglycemia does not cause syncope)
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Epilepsy (not a true cause of syncope)
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Anxiety and hyperventilation
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Dysfunctional brain stem (basivertebral TIA)
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Heart attack (ACS)
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Embolism (PE)
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Aortic obstruction (IHSS, AS or myxoma)
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Rhythm disturbance, ventricular
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Tachycardia
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Vasovagal (emotional reactions) or Valsalva (micturition, cough, straining etc)
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Ectopic (and other causes of hypovolemia)
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Situational
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Subclavian steal
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ENT (glossopharyngeal neuralgia)
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Low systemic vascular resistance
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autononic dysfunction: Addison’s, diabetic vascular neuropathy
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Drugs such as CCBs, beta-blockers, anti-hypertensives
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Sensitive carotid sinus
Altere Mental Status
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A: Acidosis
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E: Electrolytes
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I: Infection
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O: Opiates
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U: Uremia
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S: Sugar
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T: Trauma
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I: Insulin
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P: Poisoning/Psychosis
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S: Stroke/syncope
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T: Thyroid
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O: Overdose
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E: Encephalopathy
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S: Seizure