Treatment:
- Recognize signs & symptoms.
- Discontinue dental treatment
- Position patient - supine, with feet elevated 10-15 degrees
- not with head lower than chest
- Aromatic ammonia (crush between fingers, have pt. inhale)
- Administer oxygen
- After patient recovers:
- Treatment may resume if both patient & Dr. agree.
- Determine cause of episode
- If patient loses consciousness, click here: Unconsciousness
VASODEPRESSOR SYNCOPE:
Signs & Symptoms: Lack of response to sensory stimulation
Treatment:
- Position patient - supine, with feet elevated 10-15 degrees
- not with head lower than chest
- Basic life support:
- Airway: Assess & maintain (usually necessary); Oxygen prn
- Breathing: Assess; usually not necessary
- Circulation: Assess; usually not necessary
- Response: Patient "pinks up" with positioning & airway, consciousness returns rapidly (+/- 10 seconds)
- Emergency medical assistance not necessary if patient recovery within +/- 10 seconds.
- Recovery: Requires up to 24 hours to fully recover; patient feels "flu-ish", lethargic, achy, prone to syncope
After patient recovers:
- Discharge from office: Do not permit patient to leave unescorted.
- Determine cause of episode
- Modify future treatment
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