Syncope
"Syncope is defined as an abrupt, transient loss of consciousness and postural tone with spontaneous recovery, most often caused by loss of cerebral oxygenation and perfusion referred to as cerebral ischemia. Syncope is also referred to as transient loss of consciousness (Grimes, 2014)." Syncope is considered the most common medical emergency in dental offices around the world (Grimes, 2014). It can most likely occur when blood pressure is too low (hypotension) and the heart is not pumping enough oxygen to the brain. It can be benign or a symptom of an underlying medical condition (American Heart Association, 2017).
Syncope can be caused due to conditions that have several causes, ranging from benign to life-threatening conditions. There are many non-life-threatening factors that can cause neurocardiac/vasodepressor syncope such as overheating, dehydration, missed meals heavy sweating, exhaustion or the pooling of blood in the legs due to sudden changes in body position. For children, syncope can be caused due to heavy crying and exertional activity (Grimes, 2014) (American Heart …show more content…
The patient should be immediately placed in a supine position, with the patient's legs slightly elevated to facilitate blood flow return. The dental professional should also make sure the patient's airway is open for proper circulation. Due to serious side effects, ammonia inhalants should be avoided and EMS should be contacted immediately (Grimes, 2014). Some other changes people may consider to prevent syncopal episodes is to make sure you are not getting overheated before dental procedure, staying well hydrated, do not skip meals, do not get to exhausted before your dental procedure and to make sure you stand up slowly to give the blood time to circulate through your body (Cleveland Clinic,
"Syncope is defined as an abrupt, transient loss of consciousness and postural tone with spontaneous recovery, most often caused by loss of cerebral oxygenation and perfusion referred to as cerebral ischemia. Syncope is also referred to as transient loss of consciousness (Grimes, 2014)." Syncope is considered the most common medical emergency in dental offices around the world (Grimes, 2014). It can most likely occur when blood pressure is too low (hypotension) and the heart is not pumping enough oxygen to the brain. It can be benign or a symptom of an underlying medical condition (American Heart Association, 2017).
Syncope can be caused due to conditions that have several causes, ranging from benign to life-threatening conditions. There are many non-life-threatening factors that can cause neurocardiac/vasodepressor syncope such as overheating, dehydration, missed meals heavy sweating, exhaustion or the pooling of blood in the legs due to sudden changes in body position. For children, syncope can be caused due to heavy crying and exertional activity (Grimes, 2014) (American Heart …show more content…
The patient should be immediately placed in a supine position, with the patient's legs slightly elevated to facilitate blood flow return. The dental professional should also make sure the patient's airway is open for proper circulation. Due to serious side effects, ammonia inhalants should be avoided and EMS should be contacted immediately (Grimes, 2014). Some other changes people may consider to prevent syncopal episodes is to make sure you are not getting overheated before dental procedure, staying well hydrated, do not skip meals, do not get to exhausted before your dental procedure and to make sure you stand up slowly to give the blood time to circulate through your body (Cleveland Clinic,