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Department
of Podiatry - Vascular Assessment
Syncope
Syncope
(synkopten, to cut short) is a brief lapse in consciousness caused
by transient cerebral hypoxia, or temporary loss of oxygen to the brain
(Anderson, 1999). In lay-terms, fainting.
The causes of syncope can be varied, but is essentially due to diminished
blood supply to the brain. If it occurs regularly, and is a problem to
the patient’s lifestyle and quality of life, it should be determined
why syncope is occurring so that appropriate treatments, if available,
can be administered. Causes include emotional stress, vagal nerve stimulation,
sweating, infection, and sudden changes in environmental temperature and/or
body position (Anderson, 1999).
For the podiatrist and vascular assessment, causes that are relevant are
venous pooling, and hypotension, which may indicate insufficiencies (Anderson,
1999). Syncope can also be a symptom of CVA’s
and TIA’s, and MI’s.
If the patient complains of regular fainting, thorough investigation should
be referred.
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