Causes Of Transient Loss Of Consciousness

Assessment of the patient with an episode of Transient Loss of Consciousness involves a careful history of the event.

• It is important to clarify with the patient if a 'blackout' meant loss of vision or loss of consciousness and whether there was loss of postural tone.
  • Syncopal episodes invariably result in loss of postural tone - collapse to the ground or slumping in a chair
  • Near syncope can result in 'blacking out' of vision without complete loss of consciousness and is usully associated with a feeling of light-headedness.
  • Circumstances leading up to and following the event can be helpful to determine the cause of the event and potential precipitants.
• An approach to the history which seeks to determine if the episode of loss of consciousness was syncopal (associated with reduced cerebral blood flow) or non-syncopal (normal or essentially normal cerebral blood flow) can allow appropriate targeting of initial investigations.

More Information on Cause of Transient Loss of Consciousness:

• Syncope - Transient Loss of Consciousness due to Reduced Cerebral Blood Flow

• Non- Syncopal - Transient Loss of Consciousness with Normal or Near Normal Cerebral Blood Flow