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

1. recurrent sudden attacks of unconsciousness caused by impaired conduction of the impulse that regulates the heartbeat