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Updated: May 28, 2026
14:09
Tilt Testing with Combined Lower Body Negative Pressure: a "Gold Standard" for Measuring Orthostatic Tolerance
Published on: March 21, 2013
Orthostatic convulsive syncope in a burn patient.
Matthew Primrose1, Robert C McDermid, Edward E Tredget
1University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.
Summary
Orthostatic convulsive syncope, a condition causing seizure-like symptoms due to reduced cerebral blood flow, is reported for the first time in a burn patient. An algorithm aids in diagnosing and managing this transient loss of consciousness.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Critical Care Medicine
- Burn Management
Background:
- Transient loss of consciousness (TLOC) presents diagnostic challenges in clinical practice.
- Orthostatic convulsive syncope (OCS) is characterized by reduced cerebral perfusion leading to seizure-like activity.
- Burn patients are susceptible to various complications, including hemodynamic instability.
Observation:
- This report details the first documented case of OCS in a burn patient.
- The patient experienced convulsive symptoms attributed to orthostatic stress.
- Standard TLOC workup may need adaptation for burn populations.
Findings:
- The case highlights OCS as a potential, albeit rare, cause of TLOC in burn survivors.
- Implementing a structured diagnostic algorithm proved beneficial.
- Neurological consultation is crucial for accurate assessment and management.
Implications:
- This case expands the differential diagnosis for TLOC in burn patients.
- The proposed algorithm can guide clinicians in evaluating similar presentations.
- Early recognition and appropriate management of OCS can prevent recurrent episodes and improve patient outcomes.
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