Transient loss of consciousness assessment in a University Hospital: From diagnosis to prognosis

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Transient loss of consciousness (TLoC) is a symptom that has several differential etiologic diagnosis, causes significant morbidity and mortality with impact on quality of life. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to access the diagnosis and prognosis of these patients admitted in a Portuguese University Hospital. METHODS: The study included 125 patients with TLoC admitted in the emergency room and then admitted to the hospital during the year 2013. Patients were contacted by phone for follow-up evaluations, during the 18 months from the date of admission. RESULTS: = 0.019). CONCLUSION: The results obtained highlight the burden of TLoC in terms of morbidity and mortality, similar results to those previously published, except for the prevalence of the etiology, cause of death and recurrence's etiology of TLoC. This study emphasizes the significant implications that TLoC leads on morbidity and mortality being essential its accurate diagnosis.