It is sudden, transient episode of syncope, occasionally featuring seizures. It is named after two Irish physicians, Robert Adams (1791–1875) and William Stokes (1804–1877).
Before an attack, patient may become pale, heart rhythm pause temporally, and collapse may follow. Normal period of unconsciousness is 30 seconds. If seizures are present, there will be twitching after 15–20 seconds. Breathing is normal throughout the attack. On recovery, patient becomes flushed as the blood pumped from pulmonary into systemic circulation which has become dilated because of hypoxia.
NB: As with any syncopal episode that results from a cardiac dysrhythmia, the faints do not depend on the patient's position. If they occur during sleep, the presenting symptom may simply be feeling hot and flushed on waking.
Diagnosis: History taking, observed paleness prior to attack and flushing, ECG - assystolia and ventricular fibrillation during the attacks.
Cause is loss of cardiac output due to cardiac asystole, heart block, Lev's disease or ventricular fibrillation. The resulting lack of blood flow to the brain is responsible for the faint.
Treatment: isoproterenol (Isuprel) and epinephrine (adrenaline). Surgical - insertion of pacemaker.
Prognosis: untreated - 50% mortality within 1 year of 1st episode. Good prognosis after treatment.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adams-Stokes_syndrome
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