Stokes-adams syndrome

A loss of consciousness due to the stopping of the action of the heart because of asystole or fibrillation [After William Stokes (1804-78), Irish physician; Robert Adams (1791-1875), Irish surgeon].

Fainting, sometimes accompanied by a seizure, caused by a heart rhythm disorder. The heart rate falls so low that the body and brain receive insufficient oxygen. Stokes-Adams syndrome can be caused by some heart medications (for example, beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, and digoxin), heart disease, certain neuromuscular conditions (such as muscular dystrophy), and connective tissue diseases that affect the heart, including systemic lupus erythematosus. To treat Stokes-Adams syndrome, medications that affect the heart rhythm should be stopped. A pacemaker, an electronic device that controls heartbeat, can also be implanted in the chest to maintain a normal heart rate.

A term applied to a condition in which slowness of the pulse is associated with attacks of unconsciousness, and which is due to arrhythmia of the cardiac muscle or even complete heart block. Usually the heart returns to normal rhythm after a short period, but patients who suffer from the condition are commonly provided with a pacemaker to maintain normal cardiac function.

Loss of consciousness caused by a decreased flow of blood to the brain. It may be caused by any transient interference with cardiac output such as incomplete or complete heart block. The patient may be light-headed or become completely unconscious and have brief convulsive body movements. Treatment includes basic and advanced cardiac life support measures (e.g., rescue breathing, chest compressions, administration of epinephrine, or cardiac pacing, as indicated by the patient’s responses).