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77 Years Old Having Several Episodes Of Fainting. Would It Be Advisable For A Cat Scan Or An MRI?

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Posted on Wed, 10 Oct 2012
Question: My boyfriend who is 77 and is in reasonably good health has had several episodes of fainting spells recently. One in XXXXXXX of this year at a church and another yesterday at a funeral. His doctor ran some tests for heart concerns but they came out negative. Would it be advisable for a cat scan or an MRI?
Thank you!
doctor
Answered by Dr. Prabhakar C Koregol (1 hour later)
Hi,

Thanks for posting your query.

Yes, there can be role for MRI or CAT scan but generally, if doctor has not found anything abnormal, yield is likely to be low. If these are occurring while he is standing for long time or when stressed it is likely to vasovagal and we are unlikely to find any abnormality in investigation.

However, a Tilt Table Test and Holter Monitoring might be more useful.

Hope this helps you. Do write back if you have more queries.

Regards,
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E
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Answered by
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Dr. Prabhakar C Koregol

Cardiologist, Interventional

Practicing since :1998

Answered : 427 Questions

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77 Years Old Having Several Episodes Of Fainting. Would It Be Advisable For A Cat Scan Or An MRI?

Hi,

Thanks for posting your query.

Yes, there can be role for MRI or CAT scan but generally, if doctor has not found anything abnormal, yield is likely to be low. If these are occurring while he is standing for long time or when stressed it is likely to vasovagal and we are unlikely to find any abnormality in investigation.

However, a Tilt Table Test and Holter Monitoring might be more useful.

Hope this helps you. Do write back if you have more queries.

Regards,