Neurally mediated syncope

Abstract

The prevalence and incidence of syncope increases with advancing years due to age related physiological changes in the neurocardiovascular, endocrine and renal systems. Cardiovascular syncope can present as falls because of amnesia for loss of consciousness or postural instability due to hypotension. Drop attacks or non accidental falls should thus be investigated for causes of syncope. The most common causes of neurally mediated syncope in older adults are carotid sinus syndrome, orthostatic hypotension and vasovagal syncope.