NICE guideline: transient loss of consciousness (blackouts) in adults and young people.

The diagnosis of the underlying cause is often inaccurate, inefficient, and delayed, and misdiagnosis is common. NICE guideline CG109 aims to define the appropriate pathways for the assessment of patients who experience TLoC, in order to obtain the correct underlying diagnosis quickly, efficiently, and cost-effectively, and to tailor a management plan to suit their true diagnosis. The guideline includes advice on the management of uncomplicated faint/situational syncope and orthostatic hypotension, as well as on detailed testing and assessment of those people considered to have a cardiovascular cause for their TLoC. GUIDANCE Initial assessment The guidance most relevant to GPs is likely to concern those areas related to initial assessment in order to determine whether the person has had TLoC, the possible causes of it, and the appropriate next steps.