Vasovagal syncope

Question 1

What is vasovagal syncope?

Answer 1

A type of neurally mediated reflex syndrome that leads to fainting.

Question 2

What is the aetiology of vasovagal syncope?

Answer 2

• Prolonged periods of upright posture
• Excessively warm
• Emotional
• Fear
• Pain

Question 3

What is the pathophysiology of vasovagal syncope?

Answer 3

Temporary inadequacy of cerebral nutrient flow triggered by a fall in systemic arterial pressure leads to reflexive bradycardia. It is also common to lose control of non-skeletal muscles such as bladder and bowel incontinence. In the later phase of fainting, at lowest cerebral oxygen levels, jerky muscular movements may occur.

Question 4

What are the signs and symptoms of vasovagal syncope? (x4)

Answer 4

• WARNING: feeling hot/cold, sweaty, tachycardic, loss of hearing, nausea, pallor
• Sudden, temporary, and self-terminating loss of consciousness, associated with the inability to maintain postural tone, with rapid and spontaneous recovery.
• Bladder or bowel incontinence
• Jerky muscle movements