Syncope clinics and the older adult

Syncope is a common condition, with an overlap of falls and syncope experienced more commonly in the older adult. Admission for syncope work-up should occur in certain circumstances such as syncope resulting in traumatic injury or where a strong suspicion of cardiac syncope arises. However, the majority of individuals presenting with an episode of syncope do not require admission and a dedicated syncope clinic in an outpatient setting has been shown to be beneficial. This should provide readily available testing such as Head-up tilt table testing and carotid sinus massage as well as access to cardiac and neurology services should they be required.