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Seizures vs Syncope: Distinguishing Features for the Clinic

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Abstract

The diagnosis of transient loss of consciousness poses practical challenges. In particular, the distinction between syncope and epileptic seizures is not always made accurately; it can be particularly challenging when the patient might have “convulsive syncope.” Convulsive syncope is observed casually in about 10% of faints but may be much more common and is a major source of misdiagnosis of epilepsy. A meticulous history usually suffices to establish the diagnosis, and can prevent costly, intrusive, and unfruitful investigations. However, tilt testing, particularly when undertaken in conjunction with EEG and videometric recordings, can help in difficult situations. We first review the presentations of epilepsy, syncope, and convulsive syncope, and then review how to distinguish syncope from epilepsy in patients who are diagnostic dilemmas.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada

    Robert S. Sheldon

  2. Department of Cardiac Sciences, Libin Cardiovascular Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada

    Satish R. Raj

Authors
  1. Robert S. Sheldon
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  2. Satish R. Raj
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Correspondence to Robert S. Sheldon .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Faint & Fall Programme, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano Ospedale San Luca, Piazzale Brescia, Milano, Italy

    Michele Brignole

  2. University of Minnesota, MMC 508, Minneapolis, MN, USA

    David G. Benditt

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Sheldon, R.S., Raj, S.R. (2020). Seizures vs Syncope: Distinguishing Features for the Clinic. In: Brignole, M., Benditt, D. (eds) Syncope. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-44507-2_6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-44507-2_6

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-030-44506-5

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-030-44507-2

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