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Stewart JM, van Dijk JG, Balaji S, Sutton R. A framework to simplify paediatric syncope diagnosis. Eur J Pediatr 2023; 182:4771-4780. [PMID: 37470792 PMCID: PMC10640507 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-023-05114-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
This paper aims to improve the diagnosis of syncope and transient loss of consciousness (TLOC) in children. Diagnostic problems stem, first, from some causes spanning various disciplines, e.g. cardiology, neurology and psychiatry, while the most common cause, vasovagal syncope, is not embraced by any specialty. Second, clinical variability is huge with overlapping signs and symptoms. Third, the approach to TLOC/syncope of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) is underused in childcare. We explain the ESC guidelines using an additional paediatric literature review. Classification of TLOC and syncope is hierarchic and based on history taking. Loss of consciousness (LOC) is defined using three features: abnormal motor control including falling, reduced responsiveness and amnesia. Adding a < 5 min duration and spontaneous recovery defines TLOC. TLOC simplifies diagnosis by excluding long LOC (e.g. some trauma, intoxications and hypoglycaemia) and focussing on syncope, tonic-clonic seizures and functional TLOC. Syncope, i.e. TLOC due to cerebral hypoperfusion, is divided into reflex syncope (mostly vasovagal), orthostatic hypotension (mostly initial orthostatic hypotension in adolescents) and cardiac syncope (arrhythmias and structural cardiac disorders). The initial investigation comprises history taking, physical examination and ECG; the value of orthostatic blood pressure measurement is unproven in children but probably low. When this fails to yield a diagnosis, cardiac risk factors are assessed; important clues are supine syncope, syncope during exercise, early death in relatives and ECG abnormalities. Conclusions: In adults, the application of the ESC guidelines reduced the number of absent diagnoses and costs; we hope this also holds for children. What is Known: • Syncope and its mimics are very common in childhood, as they are at other ages. • Syncope and its mimics provide considerable diagnostic challenges. What is New: • Application of the hierarchic framework of transient loss of consciousness (TLOC) simplifies diagnosis. • The framework stresses history-taking to diagnose common conditions while keeping an eye on cardiac danger signs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - J Gert van Dijk
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Centre, PO Box 9600, 2300RC, Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | | | - Richard Sutton
- Department of Cardiology, National Heart & Lung Institute, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Imperial College, London, UK
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Iser C, Arca K. Headache and Autonomic Dysfunction: a Review. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep 2022; 22:625-634. [PMID: 35994191 DOI: 10.1007/s11910-022-01225-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW We explore the anatomy of the central and peripheral autonomic pathways involved in primary headache as well as the mechanisms for secondary headache associated with disorders of the autonomic nervous system. The prevalence and clinical presentation of cranial and systemic autonomic symptoms in these conditions will be discussed, with a focus on recent studies. RECENT FINDINGS Several small studies have utilized the relationship between headache and the autonomic nervous system to identify potential biomarkers to aid in diagnosis of migraine and cluster headache. Headache in postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) has also been further characterized, particularly in its association with orthostatic headache and spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH). This review examines the pathophysiology of primary and secondary headache disorders in the context of the autonomic nervous system. Mechanisms of headache associated with systemic autonomic disorders are also reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney Iser
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic Scottsdale, Scottsdale, AZ, USA
| | - Karissa Arca
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic Scottsdale, Scottsdale, AZ, USA.
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Cerebral Blood Flow, Heart Rate, and Blood Pressure Patterns during the Tilt Test in Common Orthostatic Syndromes. NEUROSCIENCE JOURNAL 2016; 2016:6127340. [PMID: 27525257 PMCID: PMC4972931 DOI: 10.1155/2016/6127340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2016] [Revised: 04/28/2016] [Accepted: 05/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Objective. The head-up tilt test is widely used for evaluation of orthostatic intolerance. Although orthostatic symptoms usually reflect cerebral hypoperfusion, the cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFv) profile in orthostatic syndromes is not well described. This study evaluated CBFv and cardiovascular patterns associated with the tilt test in common orthostatic syndromes. Methods. This retrospective study analyzed the tilt test of patients with history of orthostatic intolerance. The following signals were recorded: ECG, blood pressure, CBFv using transcranial Doppler, respiratory signals, and end tidal CO2. Results. Data from 744 patients were analyzed. Characteristic pattern associated with a particular orthostatic syndrome can be grouped into abnormalities predominantly affecting blood pressure (orthostatic hypotension, orthostatic hypertension syndrome, vasomotor oscillations, and neurally mediated syncope-cardioinhibitory, vasodepressor, and mixed), cerebral blood flow (orthostatic hypoperfusion syndrome, primary cerebral autoregulatory failure), and heart rate (tachycardia syndromes: postural tachycardia syndrome, paroxysmal sinus tachycardia, and inappropriate sinus tachycardia). Psychogenic pseudosyncope is associated with stable CBFv. Conclusions. The tilt test is useful add-on in diagnosis of several orthostatic syndromes. However diagnostic criteria for several syndromes had to be modified to allow unambiguous pattern classification. CBFv monitoring in addition to blood pressure and heart rate may increase diagnostic yield of the tilt test.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE Orthostatic dizziness without orthostatic hypotension is common but underlying pathophysiology is poorly understood. This study describes orthostatic cerebral hypoperfusion syndrome (OCHOs). OCHOs is defined by (1) abnormal orthostatic drop of cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFv) during the tilt test and (2) absence of orthostatic hypotension, arrhythmia, vascular abnormalities, or other causes of abnormal orthostatic CBFv. METHODS This retrospective study included patients referred for evaluation of unexplained orthostatic dizziness. Patients underwent standardized autonomic testing, including 10 min of tilt test. The following signals were monitored: heart rate, end tidal CO2, blood pressure, and CBFv from the middle cerebral artery using transcranial Doppler. Patients were screened for OCHOs. Patients who fulfilled the OCHOs criteria were compared to age- and gender-matched controls. RESULTS From 1279 screened patients, 102 patients (60/42 women/men, age 51.1 ± 14.9, range 19-84 years) fulfilled criteria of OCHOs. There was no difference in baseline supine hemodynamic variables between OCHOs and the control group. During the tilt, mean CBFv decreased 24.1 ± 8.2% in OCHOs versus 4.2 ± 5.6% in controls (p < 0.0001) without orthostatic hypotension in both groups. Supine mean blood pressure (OCHOs/controls, 90.5 ± 10.6/91.1 ± 9.4 mmHg, p = 0.62) remained unchanged during the tilt (90.4 ± 9.7/92.1 ± 9.6 mmHg, p = 0.2). End tidal CO2 and heart rate responses to the tilt were normal and equal in both groups. CONCLUSION OCHOs is a novel syndrome of low orthostatic CBFv. Two main pathophysiological mechanisms are proposed, including active cerebral vasoconstriction and passive increase of peripheral venous compliance. OCHOs may be a common cause of orthostatic dizziness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Novak
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Faulkner Hospital, Harvard Medical School , Boston, MA , USA
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Khurana RK, Van Meerbeke S. Headache of neurally mediated syncope. Cephalalgia 2016; 36:1350-1355. [PMID: 26868816 DOI: 10.1177/0333102416631967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2015] [Revised: 12/11/2015] [Accepted: 12/17/2015] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurally mediated syncope and migraine have a complex relationship. AIM The aim of this study was to investigate whether patients developing syncope in the laboratory would experience migraine. METHODS Thirty-one consecutive patients were evaluated for precipitation of headache during head-up tilt (HUT)-induced syncope (reduction of systolic blood pressure [SBP] >20 mmHg and prodromal symptoms with or without loss of consciousness). Autonomic functions were assessed using heart rate response to deep breathing (HRDB), Valsalva maneuver and HUT. Blood pressure and heart rate (via electrocardiography) were continuously monitored. Headache diagnosis was based on ICHD-3 criteria. RESULTS Eighteen patients (58%) experienced syncope without headache and 13 (42%) had syncope and headache (SH). No difference was observed in time of syncope onset, reduction in SBP, Valsalva ratio, HRDB or tachycardia during initial 10 minutes of HUT. Of the 13 SH patients, 11 (85%) had a past history of migraine. Two reported headache just before tilt, eight developed headache during tilt and three developed headache only after tilt. Headache resolved within 1-15 minutes in 10 out of 13 patients. No patient experienced migraine. CONCLUSIONS Syncope did not precipitate migraine. Headache during syncope may be due to cerebral hypoperfusion, and cerebral hyperperfusion may cause post-syncopal headache.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramesh K Khurana
- Department of Medicine, MedStar Union Memorial Hospital, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Sara Van Meerbeke
- Department of Medicine, MedStar Union Memorial Hospital, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Lankford J, Numan M, Hashmi SS, Gourishankar A, Butler IJ. Cerebral blood flow during HUTT in young patients with orthostatic intolerance. Clin Auton Res 2015; 25:277-84. [PMID: 26280217 DOI: 10.1007/s10286-015-0295-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2014] [Accepted: 04/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate patterns of change in cerebral perfusion during head-up tilt testing (HUTT) in children and young adults with autonomic dysfunction. METHODS We utilized near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) to estimate bilateral cerebral perfusion patterns during HUTT in 71 adolescents and young adults with a diagnosis of autonomic dysfunction. In addition, we used transthoracic impedance to measure cardiac stroke volume and thus infer autonomic tone, heart rate, and blood pressure during the test. Cerebral blood-flow wave-patterns were then visually analyzed and associated with clinical symptoms and measures of cardiovascular and autonomic function. RESULTS Visual analysis of contour changes in head NIRS values during phases of HUTT revealed variable patterns of cerebral blood flow, some specifically associated with severe symptomatology (i.e., syncope). We also observed an inequality in blood flow of the cerebral hemispheres in many patients. Finally, we observed changes in cardiac stroke volume during HUTT, as previously reported, that related to changes in head NIRS. CONCLUSION These results confirm a decrease in cerebral blood flow during HUTT as assessed by head NIRS in patients with autonomic dysfunction. Specifically, we have profiled the cerebral blood flow contours throughout the phases of HUTT, which add insight into the clinical spectrum of the disorder and may correlate with clinical severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy Lankford
- Division of Child and Adolescent Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, The University of Texas at Houston Medical School, 6410 Fannin Street, Suite 732, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
| | - Mohammed Numan
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, The University of Texas at Houston Medical School, 6410 Fannin Street, Suite 360, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - S Shahrukh Hashmi
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Research Center, The University of Texas at Houston Medical School, 6431 Fannin Street, MSB 3.020, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Anand Gourishankar
- Division of General Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, The University of Texas at Houston Medical School, 6431 Fannin Street, MSB 3.020, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Ian J Butler
- Division of Child and Adolescent Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, The University of Texas at Houston Medical School, 6410 Fannin Street, Suite 732, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
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Del Pozzi AT, Pandey A, Medow MS, Messer ZR, Stewart JM. Blunted cerebral blood flow velocity in response to a nitric oxide donor in postural tachycardia syndrome. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2014; 307:H397-404. [PMID: 24878770 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00194.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Cognitive deficits are characteristic of postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS). Intact nitrergic nitric oxide (NO) is important to cerebral blood flow (CBF) regulation, neurovascular coupling, and cognitive efficacy. POTS patients often experience defective NO-mediated vasodilation caused by oxidative stress. We have previously shown dilation of the middle cerebral artery in response to a bolus administration of the NO donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP) in healthy volunteers. In the present study, we hypothesized a blunted middle cerebral artery response to SNP in POTS. We used combined transcranial Doppler-ultrasound to measure CBF velocity and near-infrared spectroscopy to measure cerebral hemoglobin oxygenation while subjects were in the supine position. The responses of 17 POTS patients were compared with 12 healthy control subjects (age: 14-28 yr). CBF velocity in POTS patients and control subjects were not different at baseline (75 ± 3 vs. 71 ± 2 cm/s, P = 0.31) and decreased to a lesser degree with SNP in POTS patients (to 71 ± 3 vs. 62 ± 2 cm/s, P = 0.02). Changes in total and oxygenated hemoglobin (8.83 ± 0.45 and 8.13 ± 0.48 μmol/kg tissue) were markedly reduced in POTS patients compared with control subjects (14.2 ± 1.4 and 13.6 ± 1.6 μmol/kg tissue), primarily due to increased venous efflux. The data indicate reduced cerebral oxygenation, blunting of cerebral arterial vasodilation, and heightened cerebral venodilation. We conclude, based on the present study outcomes, that decreased bioavailability of NO is apparent in the vascular beds, resulting in a downregulation of NO receptor sites, ultimately leading to blunted responses to exogenous NO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew T Del Pozzi
- Departments of Pediatrics and Physiology, New York Medical College, Center for Hypotension, Hawthorne, New York
| | - Akash Pandey
- Departments of Pediatrics and Physiology, New York Medical College, Center for Hypotension, Hawthorne, New York
| | - Marvin S Medow
- Departments of Pediatrics and Physiology, New York Medical College, Center for Hypotension, Hawthorne, New York
| | - Zachary R Messer
- Departments of Pediatrics and Physiology, New York Medical College, Center for Hypotension, Hawthorne, New York
| | - Julian M Stewart
- Departments of Pediatrics and Physiology, New York Medical College, Center for Hypotension, Hawthorne, New York
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Stewart JM, Medow MS, Messer ZR, Baugham IL, Terilli C, Ocon AJ. Postural neurocognitive and neuronal activated cerebral blood flow deficits in young chronic fatigue syndrome patients with postural tachycardia syndrome. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2011; 302:H1185-94. [PMID: 22180650 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00994.2011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Neurocognition is impaired in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). We propose that the impairment relates to postural cerebral hemodynamics. Twenty-five CFS subjects and twenty control subjects underwent incremental upright tilt at 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, and 75° with continuous measurement of arterial blood pressure and cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFV). We used an n-back task with n ranging from 0 to 4 (increased n = increased task difficulty) to test working memory and information processing. We measured n-back outcomes by the number of correct answers and by reaction time. We measured CBFV, critical closing pressure (CCP), and CBFV altered by neuronal activity (activated CBFV) during each n value and every tilt angle using transcranial Doppler ultrasound. N-back outcome in control subjects decreased with n valve but was independent of tilt angle. N-back outcome in CFS subjects decreased with n value but deteriorated as orthostasis progressed. Absolute mean CBFV was slightly less than in control subjects in CFS subject at each angle. Activated CBFV in control subjects was independent of tilt angle and increased with n value. In contrast, activated CBFV averaged 0 in CFS subjects, decreased with angle, and was less than in control subjects. CCP was increased in CFS subjects, suggesting increased vasomotor tone and decreased metabolic control of CBFV. CCP did not change with orthostasis in CFS subjects but decreased monotonically in control subjects, consistent with vasodilation as compensation for the orthostatic reduction of cerebral perfusion pressure. Increasing orthostatic stress impairs neurocognition in CFS subjects. CBFV activation, normally tightly linked to cognitive neuronal activity, is unrelated to cognitive performance in CFS subjects; the increased CCP and vasomotor tone may indicate an uncoupling of the neurovascular unit during orthostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian M Stewart
- Departments of Physiology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York. USA.
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