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Related Experiment Videos

Electroencephalography in syncope

R P Brenner1

  • 1University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.

Journal of Clinical Neurophysiology : Official Publication of the American Electroencephalographic Society
|May 1, 1997
PubMed
Summary

Electroencephalography (EEG) shows similar patterns in various syncope types, reflecting reduced brain blood flow. Simultaneous electrocardiography (ECG) is crucial for accurate diagnosis in loss of consciousness evaluations.

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Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Cardiology

Background:

  • Syncope, or fainting, has diverse causes including neurocardiogenic, neurologic, cardiac, and orthostatic hypotension.
  • Electroencephalography (EEG) is often used to evaluate episodes of loss of consciousness.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review and summarize Electroencephalographic (EEG) findings in patients experiencing syncope.
  • To highlight the utility of simultaneous Electrocardiography (ECG) in differentiating syncope from epilepsy.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on EEG findings in various syncope categories.
  • Analysis of EEG patterns associated with cerebral hypoperfusion.
  • Comparison of clinical presentations and EEG findings in syncope versus epileptic seizures.

Main Results:

  • Regardless of syncope cause, EEG findings consistently indicate cerebral hypoperfusion, progressing from background rhythm slowing to delta activity and eventual flattening.
  • Convulsive syncope, a non-epileptic event, can occur during EEG flattening due to severe ischemia and may be misdiagnosed as epilepsy.
  • Epileptic disorders can sometimes mimic syncope, necessitating careful diagnostic evaluation.

Conclusions:

  • EEG findings in syncope are primarily indicative of cerebral hypoperfusion, irrespective of the underlying etiology.
  • Simultaneous ECG monitoring during EEG is essential for accurate diagnosis in patients presenting with loss of consciousness, helping to distinguish syncope from epilepsy.

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