A health condition in which the nervous system overreacts and you pass out from certain things, including exhaustion, seeing needles, or feeling anxiety. Generally, stress caused by previous things causes your blood pressure to drop too low. This health condition is called vasovagal syncope, and it is the most common type of reflex syncope that often occurs for reasons you are not able to control. Sometimes, this condition is called neurocardiogenic syncope because it involves the heart, brain, or both.
While it seems scary, this condition is usually harmless. However, 1 in every 3 people will experience vasovagal syncope at least once in their lives. While it mostly occurs in people under 40 years old, it may happen at any age.
In most cases, people experience this condition when standing or sitting, and rarely when lying down.
Symptoms
Commonly, people have symptoms from 30 to 60 seconds after an episode of vasovagal syncope occurs. Check below the most common symptoms of this condition:
- Loss of color in the skin
- Sudden warm feelings
- Fatigue (extreme tiredness)
- Nausea
- Increased sweating
- Slow pulse
- Yawning
- Tunnel vision
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
People who experience this condition frequently should visit a doctor.
Causes
This health condition is a reflex reaction to something that happens around you. However, this reflex is too strong or often occurs at the wrong time. It begins in a part of the nervous system that works without thinking about it (also called the autonomic nervous system).
The nerve involved in this condition is called the vagus nerve. It is responsible for the heart rate and blood pressure. Hence, when this nerve becomes overactive, it causes the heart rate and blood pressure to drop suddenly and become too low. Check below some common triggers of this condition:
- Needles or certain medical tools – For example, blood draws, blood donations, scalpels, and others.
- Seeing blood – Sometimes, fainting may happen even when a person sees blood. Furthermore, it is one of the most common causes of vasovagal syncope.
- Stress, anxiety, or emotional upset – Pain or emotional distress may also cause you to pass out.
- Exhaustion or extreme tiredness – Sometimes, standing for a long period is enough to cause fainting.
What Happens if Vasovagal Syncope is Left Untreated?
People may experience the following complications during a vasovagal syncope episode. Examples include:
- Confusion
- Disorientation
- Loss of consciousness
- Loss of bladder control
- Twitching movements (often mistaken for a seizure)
- Eyes staying open but rolling up or back into the head
When people regain consciousness, they may also experience the following symptoms after recovery. For example:
- Fatigue (extreme tiredness)
- Nausea
- Pale skin
- Sweating
- Urge to poop
- Dizziness
- Anxiety
- Nervousness
Most people experience episodes of this disease again, especially if they stand for more than 30 minutes after the first fainting.
Is There a Way to Prevent Vasovagal Syncope?
Some people prevent this condition by drinking plenty of liquids, eating more salt, and standing up slowly. However, it is important to consult with your healthcare professional before increasing salt intake because it may cause hypertension.
In general, most people with vasovagal syncope usually learn how to recognize the symptoms and find triggers. As a result, it helps prevent fainting or getting hurt if you fall. Check below some techniques that may help maintain high blood pressure without passing out:
- Leg-crossing
- Arm-tensing
- Squeezing a foam or rubber ball (sometimes clenching your fist may help stay conscious)
Diagnosis
Physicians usually perform a physical examination and ask questions about the symptoms and medical history during diagnosis. They may also perform some tests to confirm the condition and rule out others that cause similar symptoms (such as seizures). Check below some examples:
- Blood tests – These tests are often done to check for conditions that cause fainting (such as anemia).
- Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) – Doctors usually perform this test to measure the electrical activity of the heart. It often helps identify an irregular heart rhythm.
- Echocardiogram – Physicians perform this test to see your heart’s structure, which often helps exclude problems that cause arrhythmia.
- Electroencephalogram (EEG) – This test is used to measure the electrical activity in the brain. It often helps identify the exact cause of a seizure.
- Tilt-table test – During this test, you will lie on a table while doctors tilt you upward. If you have this condition, you may pass out or begin to pass out.
- Hemodynamic tests – When doctors suspect circulation problems, they perform this test that uses special types of X-rays and an injected tracer.
Treatment
While most of the time this condition goes away without treatment, some people may need one or more of the following treatments. Check below some examples:
- IV (intravenous) fluids – These fluids are often recommended by doctors to treat or prevent dehydration.
- Find and avoid triggers – If you know what triggers this condition, you may prevent a new episode.
- Medicines – Doctors may prescribe some medications for arrhythmia, hypertension, and other conditions that may lead to vasovagal syncope. They often recommend Fludrocortisone and Midodrine.
- Compression stockings
- Counter-pressure maneuvers – For example, cross the legs and squeeze the leg muscles tightly for a few seconds. It helps improve blood pressure and prevent passing out.
- Pacing devices – Rarely, doctors may recommend a pacemaker (a small device that helps prevent passing out that may be caused by pauses in the heartbeat).
- Catheter ablation – During this procedure, physicians use cardioneuroablation to treat problems with nerves in the heart. Generally, this treatment is used rarely.
Frequently Asked Questions
What to do if someone has a vasovagal?
If you feel you are about to faint, lie down right away. Moreover, raising your legs and tensing your arms may help you stay conscious.
What to eat to prevent vasovagal syncope?
These include:
- Bran
- Oat breakfast cereal
- Nuts
- Yoghurt
- Beans
- Fruit and vegetables
- Brown rice
- Pasta
- Wholegrain bread
This article does not contain all possible foods that may help with vasovagal syncope. For more details, discuss it with your physician.
Can stress cause vasovagal syncope?
Yes, stress is known as a trigger of vasovagal syncope. If you have any other questions, ask your healthcare professional.
