Syncope: a patient and family perspective

The most common form of syncope is reflex syncope (also called vasovagal syncope and reflex anoxic seizures). Reflex syncope is common, relatively simple to diagnose, and, in most cases, should not become a significant burden for patients or their families. Yet, too many patients with treatable syncope suffer dismissal of symptoms, misdiagnosis, and nondiagnosis at the hands of medical professionals. Clinicians can also focus on too narrow a range of potential causes for the symptoms. These factors can make the perspective of syncope and its care extremely burdensome, having a profoundly negative impact on patient well-being and quality of life.