Vasovagal Syncope

Question 1

What is the definition of vasovagal syncope?

Answer 1

Loss of consciousness due to a transient drop in blood flow to the brain caused by excessive vagal discharge.

Question 2

What is the aetiology of vasovagal syncope?

Answer 2

Vasovagal syncope is a very common cause of fainting

Can be precipitated by:

• > Emotions (e.g. fear, severe pain, blood phobia)
• > Orthostatic stress (e.g. prolonged standing, hot weather)

Question 3

What is the epidemiology of vasovagal syncope?

Answer 3

VERY COMMON

Syncope (of all causes) affects 40% of people

Question 4

What are the presenting symptoms of vasovagal syncope?

Answer 4

Loss of consciousness lasting a short time

Patients may experience vagal symptoms (sweating, dizziness, light-headedness) before passing out

There may be some twitching of limbs during the blackout

Recovery is normally very quick

Question 5

What are the signs of vasovagal syncope?

Answer 5

Usually NO SIGNS

Question 6

What are the appropriate investigations for vasovagal investigations?

Answer 6

Investigations are involved with checking for other causes of syncope

• > ECG - check for arrhythmia
• > Echocardiogram - check for outflow obstruction
• > Lying/standing blood pressure - check for orthostatic hypotension
• > Fasting blood glucose - check for DM/hypoglycaemia