Diagnosis
The diagnostic procedure in patients with the carotid sinus syndrome is carotid sinus massage; this is safe provided that the patient does not have a carotid bruit or a history of cerebrovascular disease. There should be resuscitation equipment available.
The patient is attached to a cardiac monitor and carotid sinus massage is performed for five seconds in the supine and then the upright positions. Symptomatic (pre-)syncope or bradycardia during sinus massage is diagnostic.
Reference
- Gauer RL. Evaluation of syncope. Am Fam Physician. 2011 Sep 15;84(6):640-50.
Related pages
Create an account to add page annotations
Annotations allow you to add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation. E.g. a website or number. This information will always show when you visit this page.