Syncope: pathophysiology, diagnosis, and pharmacotherapy.
OBJECTIVE
To review the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and pharmacotherapy of syncope, with emphasis placed on neurocardiogenic syncope.


METHODS
A MEDLINE search (1980-1995) using the term syncope and cross-referencing selected articles.


METHODS
Articles selected were those considered to assist in providing the reader with a basic introduction the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and pharmacotherapy of syncope, with emphasis placed on neurocardiogenic syncope.


RESULTS
Syncope is a common disorder with many different etiologies. The patient's history and physical examination are extremely important in making the diagnosis. The recent availability of head-upright tilt testing and electrophysiologic studies of the myocardium have helped define the etiology in many patients in whom an etiology would not have been found in the past. When the cause of syncope has been diagnosed, the appropriate therapy to prevent future attacks will be defined in many instances. One form of syncope, known as neurocardiogenic syncope, can be difficult to treat. Recent trials have suggests the use of beta-blockers, fludrocortisone, disopyramide, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors may be helpful in some patients.
Lazarus
J C
JC
College of Pharmacy, University of Toledo, OH 43606, USA.
Mauro
V F
VF
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D018727:Muscarinic Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019462:Syncope, Vasovagal / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D018727:Muscarinic Antagonists; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors