Der Internist
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Vertigo and syncope are frequently occurring clinical presentations in the physician's practice as well as in the emergency room. Therefore, many physicians and institutions have formulated diagnostic protocols that they follow when a patient with vertigo or syncope presents. ⋯ The purpose of the following article is to show that a well-focused history based on clear cut concepts of disease and a sound pathophysiological understanding will guide the physician precisely through the diagnostic process in both clinical presentations and will help to avoid manifold diagnostic procedures. Finally, a description of the most frequent pitfalls of the diagnostic work-up is given, along with measures to avoid these.
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Reflex syncope predominantly occurs in younger patients and is the most common type of syncope. Typical contributors to reflex syncope are orthostatic stress, followed by a delayed and inadequate circulatory response consisting of bradycardia (cardioinhibitory type) and hypotension (vasodepressor type). Comparably, syncope may occur after direct activation of the vagus nerve, after emotional distress or pain, and in specific situations, such as coughing and post-micturition. The latter situations are mediated by indirect vagus nerve activation by usually unknown mediators. Syncope mediated by orthostatic hypotension occurs in elderly patients and is mediated by insufficient sympathoadrenergic vasoconstriction, occurring shortly after the onset of the orthostatic situation. ⋯ Treatment of both types of syncope consists of avoiding known situations leading to syncope, early reaction to prodromal syndromes, and physical counterpressure manoeuvers. Drug treatment (e.g. alpha-adrenergic agonists and fludrocortisone) are effective only in patients with orthostatic syncope. In selected patients with reflex syncope of a predominantly cardioinhibitory type, pacemaker implantation may be considered in selected patients.
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Vertigo/dizziness and syncope are among the most frequent clinical entities encountered in neurology. In patients with presumed syncope, it is important to distinguish it from neurological and psychiatric diseases causing a transient loss of consciousness due to another etiology. Moreover, central nervous disorders of autonomic blood pressure regulation as well as affections of the peripheral autonomic nerves can be responsible for the onset of real syncope. ⋯ It is of crucial importance in this context, e.g., to establish whether the patient is experiencing an initial manifestation or whether such episodes have been known to occur recurrently over a longer period of time, as well as how long the episodes last. Clinical investigations include a differential examination of the oculomotor system with particular regard to nystagmus. The present article outlines the main underlying neurological diseases associated with syncope and vertigo, their relevant differential diagnoses as well as practical approaches to their treatment.