New guideline on syncope published in Germany

The German Society for Neurology (DGN) has published a new version of the S1 guideline "Syncope." It is valid until January 2025.

As outlined in the guideline, in the case of a brief loss of consciousness (syncope), it makes more sense to have a uniform diagnostic process that should be independent of whether cardiologists, neurologists, or others see the patient first. A standardized procedure in line with the guidelines can reduce the number of hospital days, the number of medical and laboratory examinations, and helps to save costs in the health care of patients with syncope. A uniform approach should also guarantee that the patient receives adequate therapy as quickly as possible.

According to the guideline, the clarification of short loss of consciousness includes basic diagnostics and, if necessary, further examinations. The basic diagnosis consists of a detailed anamnesis and external anamnesis, a physical examination, a twelve-lead ECG, and an active standing test for at least three minutes, the so-called shortened Schellong test.

In the case of recurrent syncope without prodrome and with the risk of injury, an implantable event recorder should be considered to determine the indications for a pacemaker.

The guideline in German can be found here.

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