ABSTRACT
Patients with a transient loss of consciousness may have suffered an episode of syncope. Vasovagal syncope is the ‘simple’ faint and represents a complex autonomic reflex. Patients experience a varied prodrome with features such as feeling hot and dizzy with wobbly legs. Patients make a rapid recovery following loss of consciousness. Other potential causes for transient loss of consciousness include concussion and short runs of significant cardiac dysrhythmias for example ventricular tachycardia. Following an acute intra-cranial event, various cardiovascular side effects may occur, many of which can result in low blood pressure. When clinicians refer to an acutely ‘collapsed’ patient, they are usually describing a patient who has suddenly lost consciousness, often in a dramatic fashion, either by falling to the floor or by collapsing backwards in bed. The altered consciousness level may be transient or sustained. This, therefore, provides a rare example whereby the patient’s low level of consciousness may not be completely attributed to the co-existing hypotension.
