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Structured differential diagnosis of a transient impairment of consciousness
Hansen I. , Mélon P. , Creemers E. , Moonen G.
Rev Med Liege 2012, 67(3),157-162Abstract : Transient impairment of consciousness frequently prompts the patient to consult a neurologist or a cardiologist. Detailed medical history and physical examination allow to distinguish fainting from epileptic seizure, metabolic or psychogenic events. We report the history of an 83-year-old woman who presented a transient loss of consciousness.The vascular investigation demonstrated a subocclusive stenosis of one of the internal carotid arteries. We shall consider the differential diagnosis of transient impairment of consciousness and discuss the relationship between fainting and carotid artery disease.
