Childrens Mercy - Kansas City

It is important to understand the difference between cardiac and non-cardiac causes of syncope. The cause of syncope can be identified in about 50 percent of patients by history and physical alone. Both past medical history and the history of the event are vital. Cardiogenic Syncope can be life threatening. It generally requires specialized evaluation (echocardiogram, exercise stress test) and treatment and often requires activity restriction. Listen in as Brian Birnbaum, MD explains that Vasovagal/Orthostatic Syncope is usually not life threatening and can often be diagnosed with history and a physical exam.