- Non-traumatic subclass of transient loss of consciousness (TLOC)
- Derived from the greek word (syg-kopto): to cut short ; to interrupt
- A clinical syndrome in which
“transient loss of consciousness is caused by a transient global cerebral hypoperfusion (inadequate cerebral nutrient flow) due to to a fall in systemic blood pressure"
- ✓ rapid onset
- ✓ short duration (8-10 seconds)
- ✓ loss of muscle tone (flaccidity)
- ✓ spontaneous complete recovery (<5 minutes) = self-limited