Syncope is defined as a sudden transient loss of consciousness accompanied by loss of postural tone with spontaneous recovery that does not require resuscitative interventions. Although syncope occurs in adults of all ages, older adults are particularly vulnerable to syncope.<sup>58 Kapoor W.N. Evaluation of syncope in the elderly J Am Geriatr Soc 1987 ;  35 : 826

Cliccare qui per andare alla sezione Riferimenti, 117 Savage D.D., Corwin L., McGee D.L. , e al. Epidemiological features of isolated syncope: The Framingham Study Stroke 1985 ;  16 : 626  [cross-ref]

Cliccare qui per andare alla sezione Riferimenti</sup> Approximately 3% of emergency department visits and 2% to 6% of hospital admissions are due to syncope or associated falls: 80% of these involve patients aged 65 years and older.<sup>23 Day S.C., Cook E.F., Funkenstein H. , e al. Evaluation and outcome of emergency room patients with transient loss of consciousness Am J Med 1982 ;  73 : 15  [cross-ref]

Cliccare qui per andare alla sezione Riferimenti, 60 Kapoor W.N. Syncope in older persons J Am Geriatr Soc 1994 ;  42 : 426

Cliccare qui per andare alla sezione Riferimenti, 75 Lipsitz L.A. Syncope in the elderly patient Hosp Pract 1986 ;  21 : 33

Cliccare qui per andare alla sezione Riferimenti</sup> The annual incidence of syncope is 6% among institutionalized elderly.<sup>85 Lipsitz L., Wei J.Y., Rowe J.W. Syncope in an elderly, institutionalized population: Prevalence, incidence, and associated risk QJM 1985 ;  55 : 45

Cliccare qui per andare alla sezione Riferimenti</sup> Moreover, 30% of institutionalized older adults with syncope have recurrent episodes. In this population, recurrent syncope is associated with accelerated functional decline. As the U.S. population grows older, syncope is becoming increasingly important as a major cause of morbidity and medical resource utilization.