orthostatic syncope

Etiology

• hypovolemia
• medications
• alcohol intoxication
• parkinsonism (less common)
• autonomic insufficiency

Clinical manifestations

• rapid onset syncope after positional changes
• prodrome of lightheadedness common
• orthostasis:
  • sustained reduction in systolic BP of >= 20 mm Hg or diastolic BP of >= 10 mm Hg within 3 minutes of assuming upright position

Management

• volume expansion
• liberalization of salt intake
• medication reconciliation
• compression stockings
• education on postural changes

More general terms

• syncope