Provides up-to-date information on the epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of vasovagal syncope

Aims to meet the needs of internists, cardiologists, neurologists, emergency physicians and general practitioners

Includes helpful summaries of the state of the art in each topic

PART I ¿ INTRODUCTORY ASPECTS 1 Origin and evolution of the vasovagal reflex.- 2 Vasovagal syncope in the Divine Comedy and the Holy Bible.- 3 Definition and classification of transient loss of consciousness.- 4 Epidemiology of vasovagal syncope.- PART II ¿ PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF VASOVAGAL SYNCOPE 5 Role of autonomic nervous system.- 6 Role of baroreceptor mechanisms.- 7 Role of adenosine.- 8 Cardiac rhythms in neurally mediated syncope.- 9 Pathophysiology ¿ Conclusive remarks.- PART III ¿ DIAGNOSTIC AND CLINICAL ASPECTS.- 10 Initial evaluation of the patient with transient loss of consciousness.- 11 Clinical presentation and diagnosis of vasovagal syncope.- 12 Examinations in suspected vasovagal syncope PART IV ¿ DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS.- 13 Differential diagnosis of vasovagal syncope.- 14 Differential diagnosis of peculiar sindromes: Postural tachycardia.- 15 Differential diagnosis of peculiar sindromes: Sick sinus syndrome.- 16 Differential diagnosis of peculiar sindromes: Chronic fatigue syndrome.- 17 Differential diagnosis of peculiar sindromes: Fibromyalgia.- PART V ¿ PROGNOSIS AND TREATMENT 18 Prognosis of vasovagal syncope and risk stratification in the emergency department.- 19 Treatment of vasovagal syncope: Counseling, drugs and counter-pressure manoeuvres.- 20 Role of loop-recorder and pacemaker implantation.- 21 Therapy ¿ Conclusive remarks.- PART VI ¿ SPECIAL ISSUES.- 22 Vasovagal syncope in children.- 23 Vasovagal syncope in the elderly.- 24 Vasovagal syncope during driving, working and physical activity.- 25 Vasovagal syncope and orthostatic intolerance after space flight.- 26 Vasovagal syncope and sudden death: is there a liaison?.