Skip to main content

Syncope, Pediatric

Nancy A. Drucker, MD Reviewed 10/2018
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

Transient loss of consciousness, typically lasting no longer than 1 to 2 minutes, due to a transient drop in cerebral perfusion pressure 

GENERAL PREVENTION

  • Avoiding circumstances pred...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Question: Did the event occur during exercise or at rest and were there any symptoms prior to the event?

  • Significance: important information used to distinguish syncope from seizure or...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

  • Clinical intervention is aimed primarily at training the patient in prevention/anticipation:

    • Avoiding circumstances predisposing to the most common form of syncope (vasovagal)

    • ...

ONGOING CARE

  • Many children experience a developmental stage in which for unknown reasons they have frequent vasovagal episodes. Most common age group is adolescents; however, syncopal spells may conti...

ADDITIONAL READING

  • Batra AS, Hohn AR. Consultation with the specialist: palpitations, syncope, and sudden cardiac death in children: who’s at risk? Pediatr Rev.  2003;24(8):269–275. [View Abstrac...

CODES

ICD9

780.2 Syncope and collapse 

ICD10

R55 Syncope and collapse 

SNOMED

  • 271594007 Syncope (disorder)

  • 398665005 Vasovagal syncope (disorder)

  • 58077008 Hypotensive syncope

FAQ

  • Q: What limitations in activity are appropriate for children with recurrent syncope who have normal heart structure and function?

  • A: Precautions should be taken similar to those for children of sim...

Subscribe to Access Full Content

Sign Up for a 10-Day Free Trial

Sign up for a 10-day FREE Trial now and receive full access to all content.

×