About this trial
The investigators will assess the efficacy of clinically recommended counterpressure maneuvers (CPM) in preventing syncope for paediatric patients. Participants presenting to the emergency department (ED) will first provide written informed consent. In stage I, they will be asked to complete a brief survey documenting the presentation of their syncopal episode, and any prodromal symptoms they experienced. Participants that consent to the second stage of the study will either receive usual care (control arm) or training in counter pressure maneuvers alongside usual care (intervention arm; leg crossing, bending, arm tensing). These patients will be followed for one years time, and will be asked to complete monthly surveys detailing their syncopal and presyncopal recurrence. Medical records will be accessed over the duration of the study to identify any changes in medical diagnosis.
Eligibility criteria
Qualifiers
Those between the ages of 6-18 years (inclusive)
Presenting to the ED daily 1000-2200 with resolved transient loss of consciousness that has occurred within the last week
Able to complete the survey in English
Willing and able to provide consent and assent
Disqualifiers
Suspected or confirmed cardiac arrhythmia diagnosis (e.g., Wolff-Parkinson-White, long QT)
Traumatic head injury
New presentation of seizure disorder
Epilepsy recurrence
Trial design
Treatments tested in this trial
- Counterpressure Maneuvers
- Usual Care
Treatment groups
Sponsors and collaborators
Dr. Victoria Claydon
Lead sponsor
Simon Fraser University
Sponsor institution
Provincial Health Services Authority British Columbia
Collaborator
University of British Columbia
Collaborator
Simon Fraser University
Collaborator