EMERGENCY MEDICINE 

Minerva Medica 2007 October;98(5):503-9

Copyright © 2007 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

Update in the treatment of neurally-mediated syncope

Maggi R., Brignole M.

Department of Cardiology and Arrhythmologic Centre Tigullio Hospital Lavagna, Italy

Syncope is a transient, self-limited loss of consciousness, usually leading to falling. The underlying mechanism is a transient global cerebral hypoperfusion. Since there are many causes of syncope, a specific treatment cannot be administered without knowing of the exact mechanism responsible of loss of consciousness. Drugs are ineffective. The main therapeutic innovations of the most recent years are isometric counter-pressure maneuvres, lower limb compression bandage and therapy guided by implantable loop recorder in patients with recurrent suspected neurally-mediated syncope.