Originally Posted by
jfsully
Yes, this should definitely be worked up and characterized before putting in a device, but I would just add that dying from the syncope itself is not the only concern. Regardless of the cause, sudden loss of consciousness can be a big problem if you are driving, swimming, holding a baby, rock climbing, etc. Not to mention it's a bummer to have an ambulance called on you unnecessarily every time you drop in the grocery store or mall. Fainting 2/week puts a huge crimp in your lifestyle. So even if it's "benign," it needs treatment. Whether a pacer is needed is another story. Pacers are pretty darn expensive, so I would assume that at the very least the insurance company is insisting on proper eval and perhaps trial of other treatment first, even if the doctor is a pacer-happy cowboy who drives a Bentley with a "MEDTRONIC" vanity plate. But maybe I shouldn't assume these things...