Syncopes and seizures

A recent videometric analysis of 56 brief syncopes showed myoclonic activity in 90%, together with head turns, upward gaze, oral automatisms, righting movements and visual and auditory hallucinations in 60-80%. Characteristic precipitation factors, premonition features such as nausea, sweating and palpitation, brief duration (< 25 sec), absence of paroxysmal electroencephalogram activity and no evidence for disorientation, exhaustion or sleep after the attack, are useful discriminating factors.