Episodic Loss of Consciousness

The terminology in this area can be very confusing with words like ‘syncope’ and ‘faints’ being used imprecisely. Episodic loss of consciousness can occur in any age group, though it tends to be commoner in the elderly. It is a frightening experience for the patient, and it demands thorough examination, investigation and a low threshold for referral. For the clinician, the differential widens in the older the patient – and cardiac causes should not be overlooked in the elderly.

Published: 2nd August 2022 | Updated: 6th October 2022

Differential diagnosis

Common Diagnoses

  • Vasovagal Attacks (Faints)
  • Paroxysmal Arrhythmia (e.g. Stokes–Adams Attacks, Sinus Bradycardia, SVT)
  • Epilepsy (Various Forms)
  • Hypoglycaemia
  • Orthostatic Hypotension

Occasional Diagnoses

  • Cardiac Structural Lesion (e.g. Aortic Stenosis, Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy, Pulmonary Stenosis)
  • Micturition and Cough Syncope
  • Sleep Apnoea
  • Valsalva-Induced Syncope (e.g. Weightlifting)
  • Pseudoseizures

Rare Diagnoses

  • Narcolepsy
  • Carotid Sinus Syncope
  • Hyperventilation
  • Subclavian Steal Syndrome

Ready reckoner

Key distinguishing features of the most common diagnoses

Vasovagal AttackArrhythmia EpilepsyHypoglycaemiaOrthostatic Hypotension
Prodromal SymptomsYesNoPossiblePossiblePossible
SweatingYesNoNoYesPossible
Trigger FactorsYesNoPossibleYesYes
Slow RecoveryNoNoYesYesNo
Abnormal Resting ECGNoPossibleNoNoNo

Possible investigations

Likely: FBC; ECG (especially in elderly); if probable epilepsy, also EEG and CT scan.

Possible: Glucometer, 24 h ECG/event monitor.

Small Print: Echocardiography, tilt-table testing.

  • Glucometer ‘on the scene’ gives diagnosis of hypoglycaemia.
  • FBC: Anaemia will exacerbate any form of syncope and TIAs.
  • Standard ECG may reveal signs of ischaemia and heart block; 24 h ECG/event monitor more useful for definitive diagnosis of arrhythmia.
  • CT scan and EEG essential if previously undiagnosed epilepsy suspected.
  • Echocardiography: If structural cardiac problem suspected.
  • Tilt-table testing: For unexplained syncope to assess susceptibility to vasovagal episodes.

Top Tips

  • The key to diagnosis is an accurate history. This may not be available from the patient, so make a real effort to obtain an eyewitness account.
  • In younger patients, the diagnosis is likely to lie between a vasovagal attack and a fit; in the middle-aged and elderly, the differential is much wider and will include, for example, arrhythmias and orthostatic hypotension.
  • Episodic loss of consciousness is a symptom which merits diligent assessment. An accurate diagnosis has implications not only for the individual’s health, but also for employment and driving.
  • Remember that, with a vasovagal episode, patients remaining upright (e.g. sitting or in a crowd) may develop tonic–clonic movements which mimic a fit.
  • Unlike in syncope or seizures, the eyes are usually closed in pseudoseizures.

Red Flags

  • An eyewitness account that the patient looked as though he or she had died, together with marked facial flushing on recovery, is characteristic of Stokes–Adams attacks. These can be fatal, so early diagnosis is important.
  • Discovery of an aortic stenotic murmur should prompt urgent referral. Severe aortic stenosis can cause sudden cardiac death.
  • Red flags suggesting a possible cardiac cause include a family history of sudden cardiac death, syncope during exercise and an abnormal ECG.
  • Syncope caused by neck pressure or head movement could be carotid sinus syncope – if recurrent, this will require a pacemaker.
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Website disclaimer

Nursing in Practice Reference is based on the best-selling book Symptom Sorter.

The experts behind Nursing in Practice Reference are Marilyn Eveleigh who is Nursing in Practice’s editorial advisor and a primary care nurse in East Sussex, Dr Keith Hopcroft who is the co-author of Symptom Sorter, a GP in Essex and Pulse editorial advisor and Dr Poppy Freeman, a GP in Camden and also a clinical advisor to Pulse.

For use by healthcare professionals only, working within their scope of professional practice. Nursing in Practice Reference is for clinical guidance only and cannot give definitive diagnostic information. Appropriate referrals should be made following individual practices protocols and employer expectations, locally agreed pathways and national guidelines.