title: Initial Clinical Evaluation.
abstract: The initial evaluation of patients with transient loss of consciousness (LOC) comprises a detailed medical history, physical examination, and 12-lead electrocardiogram. Because there are many causes of syncopal and nonsyncopal LOC, an adequate method of taking the clinical history, which is the cornerstone of diagnosing patients with transient LOC, should be used.
authors.affiliation: Syncope Unit, Section of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Ospedale Privato Quisisana, Viale Cavour 128, Ferrara 44121, Italy. Electronic address: alboni.cardiologia@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Paolo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Alboni
authors.affiliation: Syncope Unit, Section of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Ospedale Privato Quisisana, Viale Cavour 128, Ferrara 44121, Italy.
authors.forename: Paola
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Coppola
authors.affiliation: Syncope Unit, Section of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Ospedale Privato Quisisana, Viale Cavour 128, Ferrara 44121, Italy.
authors.forename: Nicola
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Stucci
mesh_terms: D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004562:Electrocardiography; D006801:Humans; D013575:Syncope / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D014474:Unconsciousness / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*
keywords: Cataplexy; Epilepsy; Fall; Psychogenic pseudosyncope; Syncope; Transient ischemic attack