Dizzy Spells And Syncope
Experiencing dizzy spells or blackouts, also known as syncope, demands specialized assessment and thorough investigation. These episodes may coincide with other symptoms like palpitations, chest pain, or breathlessness, or they can occur suddenly without warning. While dehydration, low blood pressure, or excessive medication can sometimes trigger symptoms, it's crucial to consider other potential causes such as arrhythmias, structural heart issues, inherited cardiac conditions, and neurocardiogenic syncope, as well as non-cardiovascular factors like epilepsy.
Investigating dizzy spells and syncope
Patients experiencing these symptoms may require additional investigations, including:
- Blood tests, including thyroid function tests
- 12-lead Electrocardiogram (ECG)
- Echocardiogram
- 24-hour to 7-day ECG Holter monitoring
- Event recorders
- Implantable loop recorders
- Tilt table testing
Managing dizzy spells and syncope
Treatment options vary depending on the underlying cause. They may include lifestyle adjustments, medication, pacemaker or defibrillator insertion, or cardiac surgery for structural heart issues.
