open access
Clinical history in management of suspected syncope: A powerful diagnostic tool
open access
Abstract
In this paper, the role of history taking as a diagnostic tool in patients with transient loss of consciousness (TLOC) is addressed. From a literature review it can be demonstrated that, if properly performed, the history is a powerful diagnostic tool, which in the majority of cases proves to be the only ‘test’ necessary to establish a diagnosis other than physical examination and electrocardiogram in patients with TLOC. In order to substantiate this conclusion, we examine the different levels of history taking according to the skills and training of the physician involved, the diagnostic yield of each level, the methodology, and the influence of the venue and urgency of the case.
Abstract
In this paper, the role of history taking as a diagnostic tool in patients with transient loss of consciousness (TLOC) is addressed. From a literature review it can be demonstrated that, if properly performed, the history is a powerful diagnostic tool, which in the majority of cases proves to be the only ‘test’ necessary to establish a diagnosis other than physical examination and electrocardiogram in patients with TLOC. In order to substantiate this conclusion, we examine the different levels of history taking according to the skills and training of the physician involved, the diagnostic yield of each level, the methodology, and the influence of the venue and urgency of the case.
Keywords
transient loss of consciousness, syncope, diagnosis, risk stratification, narrative medicine, evidence based medicine, decision rules, diagnostic scores
About this articleTitle
Clinical history in management of suspected syncope: A powerful diagnostic tool
Journal
Issue
Article type
Review Article
Pages
651-657
Published online
2014-12-18
Page views
2441
Article views/downloads
2218
DOI
10.5603/CJ.2014.0097
Bibliographic record
Cardiol J 2014;21(6):651-657.
Keywords
transient loss of consciousness
syncope
diagnosis
risk stratification
narrative medicine
evidence based medicine
decision rules
diagnostic scores
Authors
Richard Sutton
Nynke van Dijk
Wouter Wieling
