Syncope is defined as a transient loss of consciousness (T-LOC) due to brief global cerebral hypoperfusion characterized by rapid onset, short duration, and spontaneous complete recovery. Typical syncope is brief, lasting less than 20 seconds in duration. However, syncope rarely may last longer, even as much as several minutes.
Pertussis, commonly known as the "whooping cough," is an infection of the upper respiratory tract leading to a protracted cough illness. Emergency physicians should become familiar with the diagnosis and management of this disease, given the potential of pertussis infections to cause serious morbidity and mortality in young infants.