Syncope in Children
What is syncope in children?
Syncope is a brief loss of consciousness and muscle tone (or posture) that can occur
when not enough blood gets to the brain. Syncope is commonly called fainting. In most
children, it’s usually harmless. But in a few children, syncope is serious. Fainting
may be due to a heart problem, or sometimes a neurological problem.
What causes syncope in a child?
The common reason behind each fainting episode is a temporary lack of oxygen-rich
(red) blood getting to the brain. However, many different problems can cause a decrease
in blood flow to the brain. Some causes of syncope include:
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Vasovagal syndrome (neurocardiogenic syncope). A sudden drop in blood pressure with or without a decrease in heart rate. It's caused
by a problem with over stimulating the nerves that have direct input on the heart
and blood vessels. This is the most common cause of syncope and can follow periods
of extreme emotion. It's generally a benign condition.
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Heart rhythm problem (arrhythmia). A heart rate that is too slow, too fast, or too irregular to keep enough blood flow
to the body, including the brain. This is a fairly rare cause of syncope, especially
in children.
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Structural heart disease (muscle or valve defects). There may be problems with the heart muscle or one or more of the heart valves. This
may cause a decrease of blood flow to the body, including the brain. Inflammation
of the heart muscle known as myocarditis can also cause fainting. The heart muscle
becomes weak and is not able to pump as well as normal. The body again reacts to decreased
blood flow to the brain by fainting.
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Orthostatic hypotension. This is a drop in blood pressure that occurs when a person has been standing for a
while, or changes from a sitting to a standing position. Blood pools in the legs, preventing
a normal amount of blood from being pumped to the brain. This brief drop in blood
flow to the brain causes a person to faint. This more commonly occurs in older adults.
Other situations or illnesses that can cause syncope or mimic syncope include:
Certain symptoms that occur with syncope may suggest a more serious problem. These
include:
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Syncope occurring during exercise or strenuous physical exertion
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Syncope which is accompanied by palpitations or a sensation of rapid heartbeats
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If you have syncope and you have a family history of sudden cardiac death
What are the symptoms of syncope in a child?
Some children will have symptoms before they faint. A child may have:
There may be enough warning signs that your child will have time to sit or lie down
before fainting occurs. This can prevent injuries that may happen because of falling
during syncope, such as head injury.
How is syncope diagnosed in a child?
The healthcare provider will ask about your child’s symptoms and health history. He
or she will give your child a physical exam. Helpful details you can provide include answers
to these questions:
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How often does syncope occur?
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What your child was doing before the syncope?
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Did your child have any symptoms before the syncope?
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What did he or she eat before the syncope?
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What happened during and after the syncope? Was there any loss of bowel or bladder
control?
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Was the syncope witnessed?
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How long did the period of loss of conscious persist after syncope?
The provider will check your child's blood pressure and heart rate. Your child’s blood
pressure is usually checked more than once in different positions. It may be taken while
your child is lying down, sitting, and standing. The provider will look for changes
in blood pressure that occur with orthostatic hypotension.
Often your child will not need any tests. If your child's provider thinks there may
be a serious problem, he or she may refer you to a pediatric cardiologist. This is
a doctor with special training to treat heart problems in children. He or she may
order tests, such as:
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Electrocardiogram (ECG). This test records the electrical activity of the heart. It shows any abnormal rhythms
(arrhythmias).
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Tilt table test. This test checks a child's blood pressure and heart rate while he or she is in different
positions.
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Holter monitor. This test uses a portable monitor that your child wears for 24 hours or longer. It's
used to evaluate irregular, fast, or slow heart rhythms while your child does his
or her normal activities, even while away from the provider's office.
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Echocardiogram (echo). This test studies the heart's function. It uses sound waves (ultrasound) to make a
moving picture of the heart and heart valves, pumping function, and blood flow through
the heart.
How is syncope treated in a child?
After an episode of syncope, your child should lie down for 10 to 15 minutes. Or,
your child can sit with his or her head between the knees. Give your child a drink
of water.
Work with your child's healthcare provider to figure out the cause and ways to prevent
further syncope.
If a heart problem is the cause of syncope, the pediatric cardiologist will figure
out what treatment is needed. Occasionally, the problem can also be due to a brain
problem and may require consultation with a pediatric neurologist.
What are possible complications of syncope in a child?
Most syncope in children is harmless. In a small number of children, serious heart
problems may be the cause of syncope. Sudden death can occur.
What can I do to prevent my child from passing out?
To prevent passing out caused by dehydration:
If passing occurs when standing too long:
If your child has passed out upon standing:
If your child feels like he or she may pass out, advise him or her to sit or lie down
quickly.
When should I call my child's healthcare provider?
Call your child's provider if he or she has syncope, especially if:
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It continues even with preventive efforts
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It occurs with irregular heartbeats
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It occurs with exercise
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You have a family history of syncope
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There is no known cause
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It occurs unpredictably and in dangerous situations
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Injuries occur afterwards
Key points about syncope in children
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Syncope is a brief loss of consciousness and muscle tone. It’s caused when the brain
doesn’t get enough blood.
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It's usually harmless, but in a small number of children, it's caused by a heart problem.
-
Syncope is usually diagnosed with a health history and physical exam, including checking
blood pressure and heart rate.
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If there is no serious cause, syncope is managed by finding the cause and learning
ways to prevent it.
Next steps
Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your child’s healthcare provider:
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Know the reason for the visit and what you want to happen.
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Before your visit, write down questions you want answered.
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At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis, and any new medicines, treatments,
or tests. Also write down any new instructions your provider gives you for your child.
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Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed and how it will help your child.
Also know what the side effects are.
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Ask if your child’s condition can be treated in other ways.
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Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the results could mean.
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Know what to expect if your child does not take the medicine or have the test or procedure.
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If your child has a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose
for that visit.
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Know how you can contact your child’s provider after office hours. This is important
if your child becomes ill and you have questions or need advice.