Could you tell me about vaso vagal syncope please?!


Question: Hi. I was diagnosed with vaso vagal syncope a few years ago. This diagnosis came after I was in the ER (for a throat problem) and a nurse gave me a shot. I stood up afterwards and promptly passed out. I've also passed out in the dentist's chair, after an immunization, after ear-piercing and after having blood drawn. This sort of thing is the biggest sign, from what I hear.

Here's my understanding of it:
Vaso Vagel syncope mostly affects young women with low blood pressure. The main symptom is fainting after trauma or a blow to the skin. Some doctors theorize that this tendency developed because it was beneficial, like if you were being attacked by a saber-toothed cat and instantly fainted it might think you were inferior prey and go on to attack something else.

When it just occurs by itself, vaso vagal syncope is no biggie.

BUT in some cases it's a symptom of something else. My cousin and uncle both have Brugada's syndrome, a very, very, VERY rare heart condition. It sometimes shows itself first as vaso vagel syncope, so my doctors ordered an EKG (I'm still waiting on that appointment because I don't have insurance and they don't see you as fast when you can't pay).

Odds are that you don't have Brugada's or anything like that, but be sure that you talk to your doctor about all the possibilities and any tests that they may need to do. Don't be scared- know that knowledge is power. You've taken the first step by even asking. After I talked to my doctor I read a couple of articles (starting with my home medical encyclopedia, followed by WebMD.com and wikipedia.com. Check any or all of these out. If you do have vaso vagel syncope, my number one suggestion is to tell anyone who tries to draw your blood or give you a shot. If you're into tattoos and piercings (like me!) tell the person working on you too. Try to ensure that all of these things happen with you in a reclining position, not sitting up. After the blood is drawn, piercing is finished, etc., just lay there for a second. Don't try to get up and move around immediately- you may faint. You can take this time to converse with the person who just stuck a hole in you about what THEY know about vaso vagel syncope- that's where I've gotten some of what I'm telling you now!


Answers: Hi. I was diagnosed with vaso vagal syncope a few years ago. This diagnosis came after I was in the ER (for a throat problem) and a nurse gave me a shot. I stood up afterwards and promptly passed out. I've also passed out in the dentist's chair, after an immunization, after ear-piercing and after having blood drawn. This sort of thing is the biggest sign, from what I hear.

Here's my understanding of it:
Vaso Vagel syncope mostly affects young women with low blood pressure. The main symptom is fainting after trauma or a blow to the skin. Some doctors theorize that this tendency developed because it was beneficial, like if you were being attacked by a saber-toothed cat and instantly fainted it might think you were inferior prey and go on to attack something else.

When it just occurs by itself, vaso vagal syncope is no biggie.

BUT in some cases it's a symptom of something else. My cousin and uncle both have Brugada's syndrome, a very, very, VERY rare heart condition. It sometimes shows itself first as vaso vagel syncope, so my doctors ordered an EKG (I'm still waiting on that appointment because I don't have insurance and they don't see you as fast when you can't pay).

Odds are that you don't have Brugada's or anything like that, but be sure that you talk to your doctor about all the possibilities and any tests that they may need to do. Don't be scared- know that knowledge is power. You've taken the first step by even asking. After I talked to my doctor I read a couple of articles (starting with my home medical encyclopedia, followed by WebMD.com and wikipedia.com. Check any or all of these out. If you do have vaso vagel syncope, my number one suggestion is to tell anyone who tries to draw your blood or give you a shot. If you're into tattoos and piercings (like me!) tell the person working on you too. Try to ensure that all of these things happen with you in a reclining position, not sitting up. After the blood is drawn, piercing is finished, etc., just lay there for a second. Don't try to get up and move around immediately- you may faint. You can take this time to converse with the person who just stuck a hole in you about what THEY know about vaso vagel syncope- that's where I've gotten some of what I'm telling you now!





The consumer health information on answer-health.com is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions.
The answer content post by the user, if contains the copyright content please contact us, we will immediately remove it.
Copyright © 2007-2011 answer-health.com -   Terms of Use -   Contact us

Health Categories