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Syncope – Epidemiology,

Classification & Pathophysiology

Professor Rose Anne Kenny

Definition

Syncope is defined as TLOC due to cerebral

hypoperfusion, characterized by a rapid onset,

short duration, and spontaneous complete

recovery.

Epidemiology

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Cumulative prevalence syncope

Continued…

Incidence of seizures in different age groups

Stephen, L.J. and Brodie, M.J., 2000. The Lancet

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Bhangu J, .., Kenny RA . PLOS ONE 2017

Fall/Faint previous 12 months in 8504 adults > 50

yrs

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

50 - 64yrs 65 - 74yrs 75+yrs

Syncope Falls Non-accidental fall/syncope

1:5 Injury requiring medical attention

29%

Unexplained Falls

Pre

vale

nce

(%

)

33% 41%

2018 ESC Guidelines on Syncope – Michele Brignole & Angel Moya

EHJ Doi:10.1093/eurheartj/ehy037

Identification of unexplained falls

Falls

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PATHOPHYSIOLOGY