Diseases
Stokes-Adams syndrome
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Overview
Stokes-Adams syndrome (also called Adams-Stokes syndrome or cardiac syncope) is a sudden, brief loss of consciousness from a large drop in cardiac output. This happens because of an abnormal heart rhythm and a change in heart rate. You faint because your brain’s not getting enough oxygen-carrying blood.
Symptoms
- Sudden collapse and loss of consciousness (fainting), especially during exertion or while lying on your back.
- Pale skin when you lose consciousness.
- Flushed skin when you recover from fainting.
- Twitchy or convulsive movement, like a seizure.
- Heart palpitations before fainting.
Causes
- Incomplete or complete atrioventricular heart block.
- Ventricular tachycardia.
- Ventricular fibrillation.
- Paroxysmal ventricular standstill (Having your lower heart chambers stop moving is a rare cause of Stokes-Adams syndrome).
- Bradycardia.
Risk factors
- Being older than age 60.
- Having bundle branch block.
- Having heart disease.
- Having a family history of heart disease or abnormal heart rhythms.
Diagnosis
- Give you a physical exam to check the heart rate and rhythm.
- Electrocardiogram (EKG).
- Electrophysiological study.
- Check the blood pressure.
Medicines used
Frequently asked questions
What is Stokes-Adams syndrome?
Stokes-Adams syndrome (also called Adams-Stokes syndrome or cardiac syncope) is a sudden, brief loss of consciousness from a large drop in cardiac output. This happens because of an abnormal heart rhythm and a change in heart rate. You faint because your brain’s not getting enough oxygen-carrying blood.
What are the symptoms of Stokes-Adams syndrome?
Sudden collapse and loss of consciousness (fainting), especially during exertion or while lying on your back., Pale skin when you lose consciousness., Flushed skin when you recover from fainting., Twitchy or convulsive movement, like a seizure., Heart palpitations before fainting.
What causes Stokes-Adams syndrome?
Incomplete or complete atrioventricular heart block.; Ventricular tachycardia.; Ventricular fibrillation.; Paroxysmal ventricular standstill (Having your lower heart chambers stop moving is a rare cause of Stokes-Adams syndrome).; Bradycardia.
Which medicines are used for Stokes-Adams syndrome?
Isoproterenol
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