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Condition

Pediatric Syncope

Key Points About Syncope in Children

  • Syncope is a brief loss of consciousness and muscle tone. It’s caused when the brain doesn’t get enough blood. 
  • It's usually harmless, but in a small number of children, it's caused by a heart problem.
  • Syncope is usually diagnosed with a health history and physical exam, including checking blood pressure and heart rate.
  • If there is no serious cause, syncope is managed by finding the cause and learning ways to prevent it.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Electrophysiology Treatment at Children's National Hospital

Our pediatric electrophysiology experts have dedicated their careers to diagnosing, treating and managing arrhythmias and syncope (unexplained fainting) in children. Discover more about the treatment we offer.

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PATIENT STORY

Aidan's Story

Providers Who Treat Syncope

    Departments that Treat Syncope

    Cardiologist and Patient with Stethoscope

    Electrophysiology (Heart Rhythm Team)

    Our pediatric electrophysiologists perform ablations and other procedures to correct abnormal heart rhythms, with a success rate close to 98 percent. Learn more about Cardiac Electrophysiology.

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    Cardiology

    The pediatric heart experts at Children's National Hospital in Washington, D.C., provide advanced care for unborn babies, children and young adults with heart conditions.

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    Children's National Heart Center

    Our expert pediatric heart team, including more than 40 subspecialties, offer advanced heart care and excellent outcomes for thousands of children every year.