Stokes-Adams attacks

Stokes-Adams attacks

Repeated, brief episodes of loss of consciousness from inadequacy in the blood supply to the brain due to cessation or extreme slowness of the heart action. Stokes-Adams attacks occur in cases of severe ARRHYTHMIA or complete HEART BLOCK. Most cases are treated by the fitting of an artificial PACEMAKER. (William Stokes, 1804–78, Irish physician; and Robert Adams, 1791–1875, Irish surgeon).