title: [Initial diagnostic strategy in the case of transient losses of consciousness: the importance of the medical history].
abstract: It is estimated that almost half of the people experience a transient loss of consciousness at some time during their life. In young patients (< 35 years) the cause is mostly a reflex syncope. In older patients the common causes are orthostatic and postprandial hypotension, sinus caroticus syndrome, cardiac arrhythmias and valvular disorders. The medical history can identify a probable cause of the transient loss of consciousness in almost all young patients (< 35 years) and in the majority of older patients. A physical examination and an ECG should be performed in all patients who have experienced a transient loss of consciousness, other than those with classical vasovagal syncope, in order to exclude orthostatic hypotension and dangerous cardiac causes.
authors.affiliation: Academisch Medisch Centrum/Universiteit van Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam. w.wieling@amc.uva.nl
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Wieling
authors.forename: K S
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Ganzeboom
authors.forename: C T P
authors.initials: CT
authors.lastname: Krediet
authors.forename: H G L M
authors.initials: HG
authors.lastname: Grundmeijer
authors.forename: A A M
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Wilde
authors.forename: J G
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: van Dijk
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008487:Medical History Taking; D008875:Middle Aged; D010808:Physical Examination; D013575:Syncope / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology