Transient loss of consciousness (TLOC): clinical features
Written and reviewed by Dr Ibrahim Imam, Consultant Neurologist. Last reviewed .
Transient loss of consciousness (TLOC): clinical features. Upright posture, Syncope-provoking circumstances. Fully referenced neurology checklist.
Features suggestive of syncope
- Upright posture
- Prodrome of nausea or sweating: these are very unlikely in seizures
- Syncope-provoking circumstances
- Pale appearance
- Brief duration
Features suggestive of seizures
Locked: subscribe to see this section.
Features suggestive of cardiac TLOC
Locked: subscribe to see this section.
Non-discriminatory features
Locked: subscribe to see this section.
References
- Transient loss of consciousness ('blackouts') management in adults and young people. NICE Clinical Guidance CG109. August 2010.
- Thijs RD, Wagenaar WA, Middelkoop HAM, Wieling W, van Dijk JG. Transient loss of consciousness through the eyes of a witness. Neurology 2008; 71:1713-1718.
- McKeon A, Vaughan C, Delanty N. Seizure versus syncope. Lancet Neurol 2006; 5:171-180.
- Hoefnagels WA, Padberg GW, Overweg J, van der Velde EA, Roos RA. Transient loss of consciousness: the value of the history for distinguishing seizure from syncope. J Neurol 1991; 238:39-43.
