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A guide to disorders causing transient loss of consciousness: focus on syncope

J Gert van Dijk1, Roland D Thijs, David G Benditt

  • 1Department of Neurology, Section of Clinical Neurophysiology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands. j.g.van_dijk@lumc.nl

Nature Reviews. Neurology
|July 15, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Transient loss of consciousness (TLOC) diagnosis is challenging due to diverse causes and inconsistent terms. This classification scheme clarifies TLOC, including syncope, seizures, and functional causes, aiding accurate diagnosis and management.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Cardiology
  • Internal Medicine

Background:

  • Transient loss of consciousness (TLOC) presents diagnostic challenges due to varied etiologies and risks.
  • Inconsistent terminology further complicates the accurate identification and management of TLOC events.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To present a standardized classification scheme for TLOC events.
  • To aid in the diagnosis and management of TLOC by defining key clinical features and differentiating causes.

Main Methods:

  • Development of a classification scheme based on multidisciplinary efforts, including the European Society of Cardiology's Task Force on Syncope.
  • Discussion of TLOC pathophysiology and diagnostic clinical features.

Main Results:

  • TLOC is defined as a transient, abrupt loss of consciousness with spontaneous recovery.
  • Syncope is categorized into reflex, orthostatic hypotension, and cardiac causes.
  • Other major TLOC categories include epileptic seizures, functional (psychogenic) TLOC, and miscellaneous disorders.

Conclusions:

  • A clear classification of TLOC is essential for accurate diagnosis and effective patient management.
  • Multidisciplinary cooperation is crucial for addressing the diverse causes and risks associated with TLOC events.

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