If, after taking a detailed history and performing the standard tests, we find that your loss of consciousness has a non-cardiac and non-neural origin, you might suffer from other conditions that only mimic syncope.
The most common causes of non-syncope loss of consciousness are:
- Psychiatric disorders – Examples of these are panic attacks or anxiety.
- Seizures – These may be hard to tell apart from syncope, because as many as 12% of patients with syncope also have a convulsive reaction that can look very much like a seizure. We usually look for specific associated signs and symptoms and ask specific questions in order to discriminate between the two. However, if there is any doubt, you will be directed to a neurology specialist for further evaluation.
