Menopause Discussion > Other Health Discussion

Vasovagal syncope

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CLKD:
Oh - a friend of mine told me that she fainted for 'no reason' about 1 year ago, I wonder  ???

lizzog:
My "triggers" have always been viral illnesses, periods, standing up for too long, eating large meals  and low blood sugar. I have just learned to manage this, and have only just received the official "diagnosis".
With the menopause, I seem to have a collection of symptoms at any given time, mainly hip and low back ache, restless legs and palps, when I'm like this I just have to be extra careful as it seems to make me more prone to fainting.
Once I have a follow up appointment I may be able to pass on some more advice.

Taz2:
Thanks for the link Silverlady - it makes it all much clearer. So, basically, its not life threatening as long as it is not the cardiac type and means that the blood vessels in the legs shut down causing pooling which then leads to a fainting attack? Not serious but disconcerting non the less!

This part is interesting as my friend's mum recently fainted in the supermarket aisle and had to go to hospital even though she knew she had just not taken any notice of the warning signs she always gets

"Pay close attention to any prodromal symptoms. Syncope is usually preceded by at least a few seconds of symptoms that may consist of visual disturbances, buzzing in the ears, lightheadedness, sweating, nausea or other symptoms. Individuals who have had syncopal episodes usually have an excellent idea of what prodromal symptoms they should expect.

It is important to recognize these symptoms, because if you do, syncope can be averted almost 100% of the time by lying down and elevating your legs. On the other hand, if you choose to ignore the warning symptoms, you are likely to pass out in the frozen foods section of your supermarket, and the store manager will insist (for well-founded legal reasons) on shipping you to the E.R. in an ambulance, where you'll be subjected to a battery of unnecessary tests and probably an overnight stay in the hospital. Another advantage of avoiding the actual syncope by lying down is that when you do, you also avoid the prolonged period of feeling "sick" (wasted, washed out, nauseated and dizzy) that often follows a vasovagal episode."

Taz x

CLKD:
Difficult whilst shopping though, similar to when people suffering epilepsy get warning ..... they need somewhere safe but not the phaff of a hospital trip each time!

Firewalker50:
Hi Lizzog

You have a good memory.  I had a vasovagal episode a couple of months ago.  I had not heard of it before.  I knew syncope was fainting and I know there are several recognised causes.  I had not heard of vasovagal episode.

it was explained that it is the vagus nerve part from heart to brain.

I believe mine was caused by a gastric virus and then an extremely stressful but very short situation.  I was sitting on the sofa with the laptop when it started - probably one of the worst feelings I have ever had.  Then, I felt the need to go to the toilet and staggered to the toilet.  It was afterwards as I was leaving the toilet that I passed out. 

Normally, from what I have read, it should only last for a few seconds until the blood flow normalises.  IN my case, I was out for around 10-15 minutes but I think I have probably knocked myself out when I fell.  I felt very upset and shattered when I came round.  I also ended up with concussion because I had hit my head

I do not have POTS but it was good to check the site and I wonder if it might relate to my mother so will refer it to her.

I had blood checks and an ECG (all of 20 seconds) done, all of which were clear/normal/no problem (think Silverlady said she had the same).   

Here is a very brief extract from an article - it refers to some people having it from childhood.   I also like the Wikipaedia entry:  link at the bottom.   Hope you find that helpful Lizzog although you may already have read about it.

Who Gets Vasovagal Syncope?

The reflex that causes vasovagal syncope can occur to some extent in everyone, so almost anyone can have an episode as long as a strong enough triggering event occurs. Indeed, it is likely that most people will have a fainting episode at least once in their lives.

Vasovagal syncope can occur at any age, but it is much more common in adolescents and young adults than in older people.

Some people are particularly prone to vasovagal episodes and often faint even with relatively mild triggering events. These individuals tend to relate histories of syncope dating back to adolescence. They frequently will describe several episodes, often with several different kinds of triggering events.

In some people, vasovagal syncope is so frequent and so difficult to treat that they become virtually disabled by it. These individuals often have a form of dysautonomia (imbalance of the autonomic nervous system) that makes them very prone to the reflex that causes this condition. They also often have other persistent symptoms typical of the dysautonomias, such as abdominal bloating or cramps, diarrhea, constipation, extreme fatigue and various aches and pains.

In fact, the several-hour period of symptoms that can follow an episode of vasovagal syncope (mentioned above) strongly mimics many of the symptoms experienced chronically by people with dysautonomia.


Website:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vagus_nerve#The_vagus_nerve_and_the_heart

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