Table of Contents

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?.