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

cause of vasovagal syncope

Answer 2

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

Question 3

epidemiology of vasovagal syncope?

Answer 3

• VERY COMMON

Question 4

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

investigations of vasovagal syncope?

Answer 5

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