Fits, faints and funny turns. A general diagnostic approach.
BACKGROUND
The patient presenting with a fit, faint or 'funny turn' can present a diagnostic dilemma for the general practitioner.


OBJECTIVE
This article aims to provide an overview of the diagnostic approach to these 'episodes'.


CONCLUSIONS
The key to diagnosis is to elicit a clear history focussing on the lead-up to the episode, a description of what took place and the events that took place after the episode. The patient's feelings, symptoms, circumstances and provocative factors give vital information.
Murtagh
John
J
Monash University. murtagh@bigpond.com
D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D003955:Diagnostic Tests, Routine; D005194:Family Practice / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008487:Medical History Taking / Q000379:methods; D010808:Physical Examination / Q000379:methods; D015985:Precipitating Factors; D012640:Seizures / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology*; D012893:Sleep Wake Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology*; D013575:Syncope / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology*; D014636:Valsalva Maneuver