Syncope

This condition is treated in the Neurology clinic.

Pre-referral work-up

History

In isolation this is rarely due to a neurological cause (only 5-15% of patients with syncope have an identifiable neurological cause).

TIA very rarely causes collapse in isolation with no other neurological symptoms or signs of posterior circulation ischemia.

History should include:

• Pattern of syncope and associated symptoms
• Co-morbidities
• Cardiac history

Tests

• ECG
• BSL
• UEC
• Neurological investigations (such as EEG and carotid duplex ultrasound) are not routinely required

Interim/GP management

To refer a patient with this condition, please see the Neurology clinic page for the full referral process and templates.

Consider referral to General Medicine or Cardiology Clinic

For more information please see the HealthPathways Tasmania website.

Clinic appointments

🚩 Red location flags are clinical indicators of possible serious underlying conditions requiring further medical intervention. They may or may not indicate an emergency.

Emergency

🚩 Symptoms or signs suggestive of a posterior circulation TIA or stroke (cranial nerve signs, vertigo, diplopia, nausea etc.)

If you, or someone else, are experiencing a serious and life-threatening injury or illness call triple zero (000) immediately or go to the nearest Emergency Department.

Learn more about when to access emergency care and non-emergency care options if the injury or illness is not serious or life-threatening.

Urgent (Category 1)

🚩 Recurrent syncope with symptoms or signs suggestive of posterior fossa pathology (cranial nerve signs, vertigo, diplopia)

We will endeavour to see these patients within two weeks.

Urgent referrals should be accompanied by a phone call, as per below:

• Contact the Neurology Registrar directly within hours via the RHH switchboard Phone: (03) 6166 8308

Availability

North

Launceston General Hospital
Level 3 - Specialist Clinics

Phone: 1300 977 694
Fax: 03 6777 5227

North West

Unavailable.

South

Wellington Clinics
Phone: 03 6166 0000
Fax: 03 6173 0491