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pseudosyncope
Etiology:
- physical manifestation of internal stressors [1]
Epidemiology:
- young females
Clinical manifestations:
- appearance of transient loss of consciousness without true loss of consciousness
- light-headedness, shortness of breath & paresthesias common prior to episode
Special laboratory:
- tilt table testing
- electroencephalograpy
Complications:
- increased psychiatric & physical impairment
- diminished quality of life
Management:
- limit unnecessary interventions
- provide patient support
- a direct approach to explaining the problem may help, but does not improve quality of life [2]
- psychotherapy may be of some benefit [1]
- treat comorbid psychiatric disorders [1]
Related
syncope
General
conversion disorder/functional neurologic symptom disorder
References
- Raj V, Rowe AA, Fleisch SB et al
Psychogenic pseudosyncope: diagnosis and management.
Auton Neurosci. 2014 Sep;184:66-72. Review.
PMID: 24882462
- Saal DP et al.
Long-term follow-up of psychogenic pseudosyncope.
Neurology 2016 Oct 26
PMID: 27784771