Hi Sydney--i think Ros is " right on"...

take a "logical approach" in determining WHY you passed out: 1). ANY RECENT changes in your meds?? If NOT, then then something else might be going on.

If you have been "doing ok" up until your recent episode, then a Doc needs to determine ALL factors that may possibly come "into play"-- change of med dosages, high blood pressure, kidney, liver and other involvement that might be "complicating" your condition.

And-- a work-up to determine IF you have sufferd other PHYSICAL consequences as aresult of your fall.

Granted, there are certain "guidelines" and symptoms that a Doc takes into consideration, before ordering more sophisticated tests, such as n MRI, CT scan . etc. but, it is imperative to see the "big picture".

I will give you a personal example if I may, that hopefully will underscore the point: (Get ready for a loooong post!):

I suffered a fall that resulted in a broken knee ( non-displaced tibial plataue fracture.) The"plain" x-rays were initially NEGATIVE. It was not UNTIL I had an MRI scan that the existence of the fracture was determined.

I was subsequently on crutches, during the rehabilitation/ partial weight-bearing phase. Unfortunately, I then fell down an entire flight of stairs, because I could not navigate on crutches properly( thanks to RSD . carpal tnnel syndrome, etc. of both arms). I went via ambulance to the ER.

The "plain" x-rays were NEGATIVE for any fractures.. I was in HORRIBLE PAIN. The ER Doc was going to DISCHARGE me back home, at 2o a.m. knowing full well that I LIVED ALONE.... and there was virtually NO ONE who could "assist:... Very reluctantly, the ER Doc "admitted" me to the hospital, DESPITE the "negative x-rays.. ( I guess, to his credit).

It was a very "awkward" experience, KNOWING that some Docs do NOT recognize RSD...in other words... I felt as though as I was "walking the fine line" between an UNKNOWN , or being "labelled" as "xaggearting"the SEVERITY of the nes leg injuries as a result of the fall,

Two days later, while in the hospital, I had to actually "negotiate" and "reason" with the attending Doc in order to get an MRI scan andCT scan of my leg...I AGAIN had to "remind" the Doc that when FIRST broke my knee, that the initial x-rays were negative, and the ONLY procedure that CONFIRMED the broken knee was an MI SCAN... (Which by the way. was perfomed at the VERY SAME HOSPITAL where I was)...

Three days later--tests done.the MRI and CT scan reveal that I RE-BROKE my knee, I ALSO had sustained a broken ankle AND a pelvic-ring fracture. I was in the hospital for Ten more days (VERY fortunately, I did NOT get RSD in my leg--I had In home PT/OT and I just kept that leg MOVING).

TRUST YOUR "INSTINCTS", Sydney. You, and ONLY you knows your "body best".. The COST of aTEST is not a "reason" to NOT have the test, particularly if the test reveals that you have an actual INJURY that can be TREATED, an d minimize any futher adverse consequences.

I am still paying for my hospital bills and the MRI/CT scans...and I do so very GRATEFULLY because my leg is doing JUST FINE. Thank the Lord that I didn't get RSD there, too. I have enough to contend with. given the RSD in my arms...

Given the RSD issues, my motto is "better SAFE than SORRY"...and sometimes. that means we need to be more "pro-active", particularly when RSD is involved. WE know OUR bodies BEST--and if things continue to be "wrong". or "out of the ordinary" (all things considered), then WE have to persevere...in order to determine WHAT is going on, WHAT is the "CAUSE", and how BEST to treat it.

Again Sydney, YOU know YOUR body BEST. I hope that you will be able to deterine WHY you passed out, and IF you have suffered any futher injury so that BOTH issues can be addressed appropirately.

Well, again I apologize for the long post. I hope it helps...

Most Sincerely,

Brokenwings