Vasovagal Syncope

Question 1

Define 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 are the causes/risk factors of vasovagal syncope?

Answer 2

Emotions (e.g. fear, severe pain, blood phobia)

Orthostatic stress (e.g. prolonged standing, hot weather)

Question 3

What are the symptoms of vasovagal syncope?

Answer 3

• 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 4

What are the signs of vasovagal syncope?

Answer 4

no signs

Question 5

What investigations are carried out for vasovagal syncope?

Answer 5

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