emDocs - June 2, 2015 - Author: Long B. // Editor: Koyfman A. & Bright J.
"Summary:
Syncope ultimately results from lack of cerebral perfusion and has multiple causes. Vascular etiologies cause decreased blood flow from obstruction or embolism, decreasing oxygen and nutrient supply to the brain, resulting in syncope.
If your patient presents with…
- Symptoms of arm ischemia or paresthesias with syncope – Subclavian steal syndrome
- Chest pain that is acute, radiates, tearing/sharp, involves symptoms above and below diaphragm with syncope – Aortic dissection
- Tachypnea, pleuritic chest pain, shortness of breath with syncope – PE
- Neurologic deficit with syncope – TIA/stroke
- Headache that is sudden in onset, maximal at onset, worst of life with syncope – Subarachnoid hemorrhage
- Minor trauma with head or neck pain and syncope – Carotid/vertebral artery dissection
- Abdominal/flank pain in older patient with syncope – Ruptured AAA"
http://www.emdocs.net/vascular-causes-of-syncope/