Syncope: Sensitivity and Specificity

Introduction: As diff dx, see also Epilepsy, which has a large set of distinguishing findings (from JACC article PMID: 12103268). As a subtype, see Neurocardiogenic Syncope.

Differential Diagnoses include: Epilepsy, Neurocardiogenic Syncope

The sensitivity and specificity of findings for Syncope are listed below. See the left navigation bar to change the display.

Pre-Test Probability (Prevalence): %.	Post-Test Probability (Predictive Value): %.	Switch to display mode.
Note that calculating probabilities from more than one** finding is inherently inaccurate because findings are not independent. (For example, using two positive findings that share a common pathogenesis is likely to overestimate the true probability.)

Poorly Diagnostic Findings
Finding	Result	Sensitivity	Specificity
[ + ] Hyperventilation Test	+ 0 -	57%	84%
hyperventilation reproduces multiple pre-syncopal symptoms Study: J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 1991 Nov;54(11):953-6. PMID: 1800665