Decision
Life-threatening cause of syncope identified or suspected?
Yes
Resuscitate, test, and treat as indicated
Background
Clinical Characteristics of Immediately Life-Threatening Conditions That May Present With Syncope
Life-Threatening Condition | Clinical Characteristic |
Subarachnoid hemorrhage | Sudden-onset. severe headache
Neurologic deficit |
Cerebrovascular accident | Neurologic deficit |
Acute myocardial infarction | Chest pain
Shortness of breath
Nausea, diaphoresis |
Aortic dissection | Sudden-onset, tearing chest pain
Neurologic or pulse deficit
Pain radiating to the back |
Pulmonary embolism | Tachycardia, tachypnea
Shortness of breath, chest pain
Hypoxia |
Abdominal aortic aneurysm | Abdominal pain
Pain radiating to the back
Neurologic or pulse deficit |
Gastrointestinal bleeding | Tachycardia
Hematemesis, melena |
Ectopic pregnancy | Abdominal or pelvic pain
Vaginal bleeding |
Sepsis | Fever, tachycardia, or hypotension
Clinical signs of infection (cough, rash, dysuria, etc) |
Other History, Physical, and ECG Findings