Adams-Stokes syndrome
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A medical condition characterized by recurrent, sudden episodes of fainting (loss of consciousness). These attacks are caused by a problem with the heart's electrical conduction system, specifically an impaired or blocked impulse that regulates the heartbeat, leading to a sudden, temporary stoppage or severe slowing of the heart.
Usage
This term is used in medical contexts to diagnose and describe a specific type of syncope (fainting) related to heart block. * The patient's history of recurrent fainting led the cardiologist to suspect Adams-Stokes syndrome. * Adams-Stokes syndrome is often associated with a complete atrioventricular (AV) block.
Advanced Usage
- The condition is also known clinically as Stokes-Adams syndrome or Stokes-Adams attacks, reflecting the names of the two physicians who described it.
- It is a serious condition that may require the implantation of a permanent pacemaker to regulate the heartbeat and prevent attacks.
Variants and Related Words
- Stokes-Adams syndrome (n): An alternative name for the same condition.
- Heart block (n): The underlying conduction disorder that often causes Adams-Stokes syndrome.
- Syncope (n): The medical term for fainting or a temporary loss of consciousness, which is the main symptom of this syndrome.
Synonyms
- Stokes-Adams attacks
- Cardiac syncope (when referring to fainting specifically caused by a heart problem)
Related Phrases
- Suffer an Adams-Stokes attack: To experience an episode of this syndrome.
- The patient was admitted after suffering an Adams-Stokes attack at home.
Noun
- recurrent sudden attacks of unconsciousness caused by impaired conduction of the impulse that regulates the heartbeat