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- Title
Unconscious Confusion.
- Authors
Thijs, Roland; Benditt, David; Mathias, Christopher; Schondorf, Ronald; Sutton, Richard; Wieling, Wouter; van Dijk, J. Gert
- Abstract
Background Imprecise definitions of syncope and related conditions appear common in the medical literature. To investigate the scope of the problem we systematically searched for definitions in high-ranking medical journals. Methods Literature review of articles on `syncope', `neuro cardiogenic syncope','neurally mediated syncope', `ortho static intolerance', and `ortho static hypotension' with these keywords in the title, mainly published in the ten journals with the highest impact in the fields of cardiology, internal medicine, and neurology. Results Syncope, neuro- cardiogenic syncope, neurally mediated syncope, orthostatic intolerance, and orthostatic hypotension were defined in only 41 %, 34%, 26 %, 38 %, and 48 % of papers respectively. Definitions, when given, differed considerably among papers. Orthostatic hypotension was most frequently defined, with an increase in number and consistency of definitions after publication of a consensus in 1996. Conclusions Syncope and related conditions proved to be infrequently and inconsistently defined in current medical literature. The lack of consistent terminology is likely to harm medical education, research, and patient care. There is a strong need for a systematic terminology for syncope and related conditions.
- Subjects
SYNCOPE; LOSS of consciousness; NEUROLOGIC manifestations of general diseases; COMA; INERT gas narcosis; STUPOR
- Publication
Clinical Autonomic Research, 2005, Vol 15, Issue 1, p35
- ISSN
0959-9851
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1007/s10286-005-0226-2