Stokes-Adams-Morgagni syndrome

Introduction

Episodes of syncope associated with high-degree AV block.

Clinical manifestations

• little more than a momentary sense of weakness before sudden loss of consciousness
• incontinence, bilateral Babinski's sign, fixed pupils, respiratory problems & cyanosis may occur with prolonged periods of asystole
• recovery is generally prompt & complete
• prolonged ischemia may result in:
  • prolonged confusion
  • memory impairment
  • focal neurologic deficits are rare
• episodes may occur several times/day
• block is commonly transitory

Diagnostic procedures

• electrocardiogram:
  • frequently normal
  • ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation may follow a period of asytole

More general terms

• syndrome

Additional terms

• atrioventricular (AV) block
• syncope