Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 30, 2026
Comparing Eye-tracking Data of Children with High-functioning ASD, Comorbid ADHD, and of a Control Watching Social Videos
Published on: December 7, 2018
[Syncopes in children and adolescents]
1Abteilung Pädiatrische Kardiologie, Universitätskinderklinik Bern. jean.pierre.pfammatter@insel.ch
Insights
Pediatric syncope is common, mostly benign neurocardiogenic. Prompt recognition of rare cardiac causes is vital for potentially fatal conditions. History and ECG typically differentiate causes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Cardiology
Background:
- Syncope is a frequent occurrence in children.
- Most pediatric syncopal events are benign, classified as neurocardiogenic syncope.
- A minority of cases stem from underlying cardiac pathology, which can be life-threatening.
Purpose of the Study:
- To differentiate between neurocardiogenic and other causes of syncope in children.
- To highlight the importance of prompt diagnosis for potentially fatal cardiac conditions.
- To outline appropriate diagnostic strategies for pediatric syncope.
Main Methods:
- Detailed history taking of syncopal events.
- Physical examination of affected children.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) as a primary diagnostic tool when physical examination is normal.
- Further laboratory tests guided by suspicious findings.
Main Results:
- Detailed history is usually sufficient to differentiate syncope types.
- A normal physical examination with a simple ECG is often adequate for diagnosis.
- Neurocardiogenic syncope in children rarely requires medication, with behavioral adjustments often being sufficient.
Conclusions:
- Distinguishing benign from serious causes of pediatric syncope is crucial.
- A thorough history and ECG are key diagnostic tools.
- Early identification of cardiac causes is essential for timely intervention and improved outcomes.
Abstract:
Syncopes are frequent in the pediatric age group. The majority of these events are benign and are so called neurocardiogenic syncopes. In a minority of affected children, a cardiac pathology is the underlying cause, these cases need to be recognized promptly as almost all of the underlying cardiac causes are potentially fatal conditions. Usually detailed history of syncopal events allows for differentiation between neurocardiogenic and other causes of syncope. In case the physical examination is normal, a simple ECG as the only additional laboratory test is adequate. Other laboratory tests are performed on the basis of suspicious findings in both history and physical examination. The typical neuricardiogenic syncopes rarely require medication in childhood, usually addressing some behavioural aspects with the patient are sufficient as only therapeutic measures.
Related Concept Videos
01:18Cognitive Development During Adolescence
01:17Erikson's Theory on Socioemotional Development during Adolescence
01:27Signs of Puberty
01:30Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings.
02:28Sex Linked Disorders
01:27Panic Disorder