Syncope can have devastating consequences, resulting in injuries, accidents or even death. Causes of syncope in older adults include orthostatic hypotension, carotid sinus syndrome, vasovagal syncope and many more. In the recently published World Falls Guidelines, syncope in older adults often presents as falls, especially in those prone to falls. In residents with unexplained falls, special attention to syncope is …
Syncope is the most common form of transient loss of consciousness (TLOC), defined as sudden-onset bradycardia and vasodilation leading to an abrupt decrease in cardiac output, cerebral hypoperfusion, and temporary loss of consciousness. Many of our residents experience episodes of syncope similar to this that may be triggered by orthostatic or emotional stress, pain, and gastrointestinal symptoms. Why some individuals …
