PART I - INTRODUCTORY ASPECTS 1 Origin and evolution of the vasovagal reflex -- 2 Vasovagal syncope in the Divine Comedy and the Holy Bible -- 3 Definition and classification of transient loss of consciousness -- 4 Epidemiology of vasovagal syncope -- PART II - PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF VASOVAGAL SYNCOPE 5 Role of autonomic nervous system -- 6 Role of baroreceptor mechanisms -- 7 Role of adenosine -- 8 Cardiac rhythms in neurally mediated syncope -- 9 Pathophysiology - Conclusive remarks -- PART III - DIAGNOSTIC AND CLINICAL ASPECTS -- 10 Initial evaluation of the patient with transient loss of consciousness -- 11 Clinical presentation and diagnosis of vasovagal syncope -- 12 Examinations in suspected vasovagal syncope PART IV - DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS -- 13 Differential diagnosis of vasovagal syncope -- 14 Differential diagnosis of peculiar sindromes: Postural tachycardia -- 15 Differential diagnosis of peculiar sindromes: Sick sinus syndrome -- 16 Differential diagnosis of peculiar sindromes: Chronic fatigue syndrome -- 17 Differential diagnosis of peculiar sindromes: Fibromyalgia -- PART V - PROGNOSIS AND TREATMENT 18 Prognosis of vasovagal syncope and risk stratification in the emergency department -- 19 Treatment of vasovagal syncope: Counseling, drugs and counter-pressure manoeuvres -- 20 Role of loop-recorder and pacemaker implantation -- 21 Therapy - Conclusive remarks -- PART VI - SPECIAL ISSUES -- 22 Vasovagal syncope in children -- 23 Vasovagal syncope in the elderly -- 24 Vasovagal syncope during driving, working and physical activity -- 25 Vasovagal syncope and orthostatic intolerance after space flight -- 26 Vasovagal syncope and sudden death: is there a liaison?.