Vasovagal Syncope
Vasovagal syncope, also known as neurocardiogenic syncope, is a type of fainting episodes that occurs when there is a sudden drop in heart rate and/or blood pressure, leading to a temporary loss of consciousness. It is caused by a reflex response in the body’s autonomic nervous system, which controls functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing.
During a vasovagal syncope episode, the body overreacts to a trigger such as emotional stress, pain, standing up for a prolonged period, or a sudden change in body position. This leads to a sudden decrease in heart rate and blood pressure, causing reduced blood flow to the brain, which results in a loss of consciousness.
Symptoms of vasovagal syncope may include lightheadedness, loss of consciousness, dizziness, nausea, sweating, and pale skin. Although the episodes can be alarming to patients, they are normally benign and are rarely dangerous.
Vasovagal syncope is mainly diagnosed by taking a careful and detailed history from the patient and by excluding other causes of syncope. Sometimes a special test called a head up tilt table test is needed to establish the diagnosis.
Treatment may involve avoiding triggers, maintaining proper hydration by drinking of fluids and increasing salt intake, performing special exercises to the muscles to increase the blood pressure, and in some selected cases, medication or pacemaker implantation procedures may be necessary.
