Recurrent loss of consciousness

An electrocardiograph and beat-to-beat blood pressure recordings were performed during right sided supine carotid sinus massage on a 78 year old man (figure)⇓. He reported frequent episodes of loss of consciousness, which were typically of sudden onset followed within minutes by rapid recovery to full health. Some were associated with jerking movements of his limbs. He linked some of these episodes to turning his head. He had no important comorbidities but had recently fallen and sustained a fracture. Simultaneous beat-to-beat blood pressure (above) and electrocardiograph (below) tracings performed during right sided supine carotid sinus massage. Arrow indicates onset of 5 second carotid sinus massage. Image created with BeatScope software, using data obtained from a Finometer device ### Short answers