Syncope in children

Abstract

Syncope is not uncommon in children. Since the list of causes is large, a sound clinical approach is necessary to effectively separate out syncope from its mimics, and then zero down on the probable diagnosis. While vasodepressor syncope is the commonest and benign, it is crucial to identify potentially life threatening cardiac syncope as well. This article attempts to outline a practical approach, which on one hand limits unnecessary investigations, while on the other, effectively screens for serious disorders.