Syncope meaning

Syncope (pronounced “sin ko pea”) is the medical term for fainting or passing out. It is caused by a temporary drop in the amount of blood that flows to the brain.

1. What is the main cause of syncope?
2. Is syncope life threatening?
3. What are the 4 classifications of syncope?
4. What happens during syncope?

What is the main cause of syncope?

Syncope is a temporary loss of consciousness usually related to insufficient blood flow to the brain. It's also called fainting or "passing out." It most often occurs when blood pressure is too low (hypotension) and the heart doesn't pump enough oxygen to the brain.

Is syncope life threatening?

In most cases, syncope is not a sign of a life-threatening problem, although some people with syncope have a serious underlying medical condition. In non-elderly people, over 75 percent of cases of syncope are not associated with an underlying medical problem.

What are the 4 classifications of syncope?

Syncope is classified as neurally mediated (reflex), cardiac, orthostatic, or neurologic (Table 1).

What happens during syncope?

Syncope is a temporary loss of consciousness that happens due to a decrease in blood flow to your brain. It's more commonly known as fainting. Fainting accounts for between 3 and 5 percent of emergency room visits in the United States.