Syncope (Fainting)

Assessment and investigation of transient loss of consciousness.

Reviewed by Dr Kola Tytler MBBS CertHE MBA MSt MRCGP (General Practitioner)

Last reviewed: 21 October 2025

CardiologyNeurologyEmergency Medicine

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regional clinical guidance

Syncope (Fainting): guidance by region

Recommendations, thresholds and pathways can differ. Open the page written for the jurisdiction you need.

United StatesTransient loss of consciousness and syncopeCardiovascular · reviewed 2026-08-20 CanadaTransient loss of consciousness (syncope/blackouts)Cardiovascular · reviewed 2026-08-20 AustraliaTransient loss of consciousness (syncope/blackouts)Cardiovascular · reviewed 2026-08-20

Clinical Guidelines

2018 ESC Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of syncope

CKS: Blackouts and syncope

ESC Guidelines on Syncope (Diagnosis and Management of)

NICE guideline [CG109]

NICE guideline [CG109]: Transient loss of consciousness ('blackouts') in over 16s

2017 ACC/AHA/HRS Guideline for the Evaluation and Management of Patients With Syncope

Transient loss of consciousness ('blackouts') in over 16s: assessment and diagnosis (NICE Clinical Guideline CG109)