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[Convulsive syncope: characteristics and reproducibility using the tilt test].
M Fernández Sanmartín1, A Rodríguez Núñez, F Martinón-Torres
1Departamento de Pediatría. Servicio de Críticos y Urgencias Pediátricas. Hospital Clínico Universitario. Santiago de Compostela. España.
Anales De Pediatria (Barcelona, Spain : 2003)
|November 1, 2003
Summary
Convulsive syncope is common in children and can be diagnosed using the tilt test. This test helps differentiate convulsive syncope from epilepsy, aiding pediatricians in diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Cardiology
- Diagnostic Medicine
Context:
- Neurocardiogenic syncope is a common cause of recurrent syncope in children.
- Distinguishing convulsive syncope from epileptic seizures is crucial for appropriate management.
- The tilt test is a valuable diagnostic tool for various syncope etiologies.
Purpose:
- To characterize the clinical presentation of convulsive syncope in pediatric patients.
- To evaluate the efficacy of the tilt test in diagnosing convulsive syncope.
- To differentiate convulsive syncope from epileptic disorders in children.
Summary:
- A multiparametric tilt test was performed on 317 children suspected of neurocardiogenic syncope.
- Convulsive syncope occurred in 11.6% of positive tilt tests, presenting as brief, self-limiting seizures.
- Electroencephalogram (EEG) showed diffuse slowing, not paroxysmal activity, during convulsive episodes.
Impact:
- Convulsive syncope is an underrecognized condition in pediatric populations.
- The tilt test is essential for the differential diagnosis of convulsive syncope versus epilepsy.
- Awareness of tilt-test-induced seizures can prevent misdiagnosis of epilepsy in children.