Syncope due to a neurogenic cause is relatively uncommon.
Causes of neurogenic syncope:
(1) basilar artery insufficiency or occlusion, with brain stem ischemia
(2) compression of a vertebral artery (cervical rib, cervical osteoarthritis, cervical spondylosis)
(3) subclavian steal syndrome (syncope occurs during arm exercising)
(4) basilar migraine
Features of brain stem ischemia may include:
(1) transient loss of consciousness
(2) diplopia
(3) vertigo
(4) ataxia
(5) dysarthria
(6) paresthesias
(7) muscle weakness
Exclusion: seizure disorder, other forms of syncope
