[Syncope--is patient evaluation of value?].

History, physical examination and ECG allow to define the cause of syncope in about 50%. This initial assessment often, in addition, suggests a diagnosis, which is then confirmed with Holter-ECG or echocardiography, stress-ECG, tilt-test, carotissinus test or intracardial electrophysiological testing, rarely neurological or psychiatric evaluations. A stepwise approach is recommended.