Syncope / pre-syncope
Red flags
Consider immediate referral of patients with any of the following:
- Exertional onset
- Chest pain
- Persistent hypotension (Systolic BP <90mmHg) associated with symptoms
- Severe persistent headache
- Focal neurologic deficits
- Preceded by palpitations
- Associated injury
Does your patient wish to be referred?
Minimum referral criteria
Does your patient meet the minimum referral criteria?
Category 1
Appointment within 30 days is desirable
- Syncope with unclear aetiology (if cardiac aetiology is thought likely see Cardiology CPC)
- Vasovagal syncope occurring on a weekly basis
- Syncopal episodes that have resulted in physical injury (but not so severe as to warrant ED presentation)
- Symptomatic orthostatic hypotension (of more than 20mmHg decrease in systolic blood pressure)
Category 2
Appointment within 90 days is desirable
- Vasovagal syncope occurring on less than weekly basis but at least once a month
- Asymptomatic orthostatic hypotension
Category 3
Appointment within 365 days is desirable
- Vasovagal syncope occurring infrequently (less than once a month)
If your patient does not meet the minimum referral criteria
Consider other treatment pathways or an alternative diagnosis.
If you still need to refer your patient:
- Please explain why (e.g. warning signs or symptoms, clinical modifiers, uncertain about diagnosis, etc.)
- Please note that your referral may not be accepted or may be redirected to another service
Other important information for referring practitioners
Not an exhaustive list
- If syncope thought likely to be of cardiac origin see Cardiology CPC (coming soon).
- If possible please identify an eye witness to any episode of syncope and request that the witness attends the specialist outpatient appointment with the patient.
- Refer to HealthPathways for assessment and management information if available
Referral requirements
A referral may be rejected without the following information.
Send referral
Hotline: 1300 364 938
Fax: 1300 364 952
Electronic: eReferral system
Mail: Metro North Central Patient Intake
Aspley Community Centre
776 Zillmere Road
ASPLEY QLD 4034
Health pathways
Access to Health Pathways is free for clinicians in Metro North Brisbane.
For login details email:
healthpathways
Login to Brisbane North Health Pathways:
brisbanenorth.