Hyperventilation (as cause of LOC)

Due to acute Anxiety

• Witnesses note the rapid breathing
• Patient recalls feeling dizzy, with paresthesias of lips & fingers
• Duration of any LOC is brief (unless conversion reaction follows)
• Auscultate lungs rapidly & extensively: if patient reports same dizziness & paresthesias as with event, diagnosis made

See postings on Loss of Consciousness LOC-1 and LOC-2.