The Benefit of Implantable Loop Recorders in the Diagnosis of Recurrent Syncope

Syncope is a transient loss of consciousness due to cerebral hypoperfusion associated with the absence of postural tone. Syncope is a common medical problem, and establishing the correct diagnosis is difficult because of the sporadic and infrequent nature of unexplained syncope. This article reviews the etiology, risk stratification, and diagnosis of syncope, and demonstrates with a case study how an implantable loop recorder can be used to facilitate the diagnosis of syncopal events.