Syncope during childhood is common. A variable incidence has been reported, from 1 of 2000 emergency department visits,<sup>71 Pratt J.L., Fleisher G.R. Syncope in children and adolescents Pediatr Emerg Care 1989 ;  5 : 80  [cross-ref]

Cliccare qui per andare alla sezione Riferimenti</sup> to 47% of interviewed college students.<sup>61 Murdoch B.D. Loss of consciousness in healthy South African men S Afr Med J 1980 ;  57 : 771

Cliccare qui per andare alla sezione Riferimenti</sup> Driscoll and colleagues<sup>14 Driscoll D.J., Jacobsen S.J., Porter C.J. , e al. Syncope in children and adolescents: A population based study of incidence and outcome Circulation 1996 ;  94 : I-54

Cliccare qui per andare alla sezione Riferimenti</sup> reported an overall incidence of 125 of 100,000 (0.125%) for pediatric patients seeking medical attention. Girls were seen for evaluation more commonly than boys, with the peak incidence occurring between ages 15 and 19 years. Despite its frequency, syncope generates an extraordinary amount of anxiety among patients, families, teachers, coaches, and physicians.

In children and adolescents, the list of causes is generally similar to that described for adults, although the relative frequency and prognosis for the individual diagnoses are somewhat unique. Fortunately, most syncopal events in young patients are isolated and benign in nature. Driscoll's data<sup>14 Driscoll D.J., Jacobsen S.J., Porter C.J. , e al. Syncope in children and adolescents: A population based study of incidence and outcome Circulation 1996 ;  94 : I-54

Cliccare qui per andare alla sezione Riferimenti</sup> revealed an association of sudden death and prior syncopal events that was not different from that of sudden death in the general population. This article describes the causes, diagnosis, and treatment of syncope in infants, children, and adolescents, focusing on the differences that must be identified when caring for the pediatric versus adult patient. Recommendations are presented for an economically efficient diagnostic workup and practical approach to treatment.