Presyncope

Presyncope is a state consisting of lightheadedness,^[1] muscular weakness, and feeling faint (as opposed to a syncope, which is actually fainting). Pre-syncope does not result from primary central nervous system pathology, nor does it originate in the inner ear, but is most often cardiovascular in etiology. In many patients, lightheadedness is a symptom of orthostatic hypotension. Orthostatic hypotension occurs when blood pressure drops significantly when the patient stands from a supine or sitting position. If loss of consciousness occurs in this situation, it is termed syncope.

According to McGraw-Hill Concise Dictionary of Modern Medicine © 2002, presyncope is "An episode of near-fainting which may include lightheadedness, dizziness, severe weakness, blurred vision, which may precede a syncopal episode."

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