Syncope

Weber-Mihaila, Christine J.

doi:10.1007/978-0-387-79948-3_1057

Christine J. Weber-Mihaila⁵

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Synonyms

Fainting

Definition

Syncope is a temporary “black-out” episode (loss of consciousness with interruption of awareness of oneself and one’s surroundings) that is caused by a sudden lack of blood supply to the brain. There can be many causes of syncope (both cardiac and noncardiac), but the two most common causes include vasovagal syncope (often triggered by pain or emotional stress) and orthostatic hypotension (triggered by a change from seated to standing position or when a person has been standing for an extended period of time). Seizure-like movements can occasionally accompany syncope, and it is important for physicians to rule out syncope when considering a diagnosis of epilepsy.

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Epilepsy

Seizure

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References and Readings

Bergfeldt, L. (2003). Differential diagnosis of cardiogenic syncope and seizure disorders. Heart, 89, 353–358.
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Authors and Affiliations

Neuropsychologist, Northeast Regional Epilepsy Group, 104 East 40th Street, Suite 607, 10016, New York, NY, USA
Christine J. Weber-Mihaila

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Christine J. Weber-Mihaila
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Editors and Affiliations

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, and Professor of Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry Virginia Commonwealth University – Medical Center Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, VCU, 980542, Richmond, Virginia, 23298-0542, USA
Jeffrey S. Kreutzer
Kessler Foundation Research Center, 1199 Pleasant Valley Way, West Orange, NJ, 07052, USA
John DeLuca
Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, and Neurology and Neuroscience, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey – New Jersey Medical School, New Jersey, USA
John DeLuca
Independent Practice, 564 M.O.B. East, 100 E. Lancaster Ave., Wynnewood, PA, 19096, USA
Bruce Caplan

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Weber-Mihaila, C.J. (2011). Syncope. In: Kreutzer, J.S., DeLuca, J., Caplan, B. (eds) Encyclopedia of Clinical Neuropsychology. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-79948-3_1057

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-79948-3_1057
Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY
Print ISBN: 978-0-387-79947-6
Online ISBN: 978-0-387-79948-3
eBook Packages: Behavioral Science

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