title: Evaluating loss of consciousness in the elderly.
abstract: In the case of an elderly patient with transient loss of consciousness, the chief differential diagnosis is syncope versus seizure. The most helpful diagnostic aid is a thorough history obtained from both the patient and an observer. The tentative diagnosis based on the history can be confirmed by the findings on physical examination and by such secondary studies as an electroencephalogram and a series of cardiac tests.
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004569:Electroencephalography; D006334:Heart Function Tests; D006801:Humans; D008487:Medical History Taking; D012640:Seizures / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D013575:Syncope / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D014474:Unconsciousness / Q000209:etiology*