Article

Falls, faints, fits and funny turns.

Dept. of Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Postal Zone J03-R, 9600, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands.
Journal of Neurology (impact factor: 3.47). 03/2009; 256(2):155-67. DOI:10.1007/s00415-009-0108-y
Source: PubMed

ABSTRACT In this practically oriented review, we will outline the clinical approach of patients with falls due to an impairment or loss of consciousness. Following a set of definitions, we describe the salient clinical features of disorders leading to such falls. Among falls caused by true loss of consciousness, we separate the clinical characteristics of syncopal falls (due to reflex syncope, hypovolemia, orthostatic hypotension or cardiac syncope) from falls due to other causes of transient unconsciousness, such as seizures. With respect to falls caused by an apparent loss of consciousness, we discuss the presentation of cataplexy, drop attacks, and psychogenic falls. Particular emphasis will be laid upon crucial features obtained by history taking for distinguishing between the various conditions that cause or mimic a transient loss of consciousness.

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Data provided are for informational purposes only. Although carefully collected, accuracy cannot be guaranteed. The impact factor represents a rough estimation of the journal's impact factor and does not reflect the actual current impact factor. Publisher conditions are provided by RoMEO. Differing provisions from the publisher's actual policy or licence agreement may be applicable.

Keywords

apparent loss
 
cardiac syncope
 
causes
 
clinical approach
 
clinical characteristics
 
disorders
 
distinguishing
 
drop attacks
 
hypovolemia
 
oriented review
 
Particular emphasis
 
patients
 
reflex syncope
 
salient clinical features
 
transient loss
 
transient unconsciousness
 
true loss
 
various conditions
 

Roland D Thijs