Your Trusted Dizziness & Syncope Treatment and Prevention Experts In South Dakota
What is Dizziness/Syncope
Approximately 30%, or nearly 1 in 3 adults, experience an episode of severe dizziness or temporary loss of consciousness during their life. The medical term for temporary loss consciousness is syncope.
Causes of Dizziness/Syncope
The most common cause of syncope is vasovagal syncope (Vay-Zo-Vay-gull Sing-Kuh-pee), also known as neurocardiogenic syncope. These episodes are usually triggered by prolonged standing, severe emotional distress, or the sight of blood or bodily fluids. This results in decreased blood supply to the brain causing a brief, or transient, loss of consciousness usually for less than 30-60 seconds. During a syncopal episode, bystanders may describe seizure-like activity, slow pulse, or abnormal breathing.
Other causes of severe dizziness or syncope include abnormal heart rhythms, postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS), autonomic dysfunction, valvular heart disease, coronary artery disease, and psychiatric co-morbid conditions.
Diagnosis of Dizziness/Syncope
The diagnosis of syncope is made by a doctor who asks questions about your medical history and personally examines you. Additionally, blood tests, ambulatory heart rhythm monitoring (Holter monitor, Implantable loop recorder), tilt-table testing, and echocardiography can help diagnose the cause(s) of syncope.
Treatment of Dizziness/Syncope
The treatment of syncope depends on the root cause. For most, simple measures such as avoiding triggers, exercise training, adequate hydration, increased salt intake, compression stockings, and beta blockers such as propranolol can help reduce symptoms.
Experienced Care for Dizziness/Syncope Symptoms in the Black Hills
If you are having symptoms concerning for severe dizziness or syncope, please call Black Hills Heart and Vascular Institute at (605) 503-8192 to schedule an appointment or discuss with your primary care physician (PCP).
