Vasovagal syncope

Question 1

Define:

Answer 1

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

Question 2

Aetiology/risk factors:

Answer 2

common cause of syncope

Precipitated by:

• Emotions (fear, extreme pain, blood phobia)
• Orthostatic stress (prolonged standing or hot weather)

Question 3

Epidemiology:

Answer 3

Very common

Syncope (all causes) affects 40% of people

Question 4

Symptoms:

Answer 4

Loss of consciousness - only lasts a short time

Vagal symptoms:
-Sweating, dizziness, light headiness

Twitching limbs when blacked out

recover normally

Question 5

Signs:

Answer 5

No signs

Question 6

Investigations:

Answer 6

These are to rule out other causes of syncope:

• ECG - arrhythmias
• Echo - outflow obstruction
• Blood glucose - DM or hypoglycaemia
• Lying/standing BP - orthostatic hypotension