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SECONDs Administration Guidelines: A Fast Tool to Assess Consciousness in Brain-injured Patients
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[Structured differential diagnosis of a transient impairment of consciousness]

I Hansen1, P Mélon, E Creemers

  • 1Service de Neurologie, CHU de Liège.

Revue Medicale De Liege
|May 23, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Fainting can be caused by carotid artery disease. An 83-year-old woman

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Cardiology
  • Vascular Medicine

Background:

  • Transient impairment of consciousness requires careful diagnosis to differentiate causes like fainting, seizures, or metabolic issues.
  • Medical history and physical examination are crucial initial steps.

Observation:

  • An 83-year-old woman experienced a transient loss of consciousness.
  • Vascular investigation revealed a subocclusive stenosis in one of her internal carotid arteries.

Findings:

  • The patient's presentation suggests a potential link between carotid artery stenosis and transient loss of consciousness.
  • This case highlights the importance of considering vascular causes in elderly patients with syncope.

Implications:

  • Understanding the relationship between carotid artery disease and fainting is vital for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
  • This case underscores the need for thorough vascular assessment in patients presenting with unexplained transient loss of consciousness.

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