vasovagal syncope

(noun)

A vasovagal episode is a malaise mediated by the vagus nerve. When it leads to syncope or "fainting," it is called a vasovagal syncope, which is the most common type of fainting.

Related Terms

Examples of vasovagal syncope in the following topics:

  • Syncope

    • There are two broad categories of syncope, cardiogenic or reflex, which underlie most forms of syncope.
    • Vasovagal (situational) syncope, one of the most common types, may occur in scary, embarrassing or uneasy situations, or during blood drawing, coughing, urination or defecation.
    • In vasovagal syncope, the vagus nerve decreases blood flow to the brain.
    • Recurrent syncope with complex associated symptoms called neurally mediated syncope.
    • The vagus nerve, labeled at the top left and colored in yellow, may lower heart rate, reducing blood flow to the brain and causing vasovagal syncope.

  • Vagus (X) Nerve

    • Excessive activation of the vagal nerve during emotional stress can also cause vasovagal syncope due to a sudden drop in cardiac output, causing cerebral hypoperfusion.

  • Carotid Sinus Syncope and Massage

    • Massage of the carotid sinus, or carotid sinus massage, is used to diagnose carotid sinus syncope.
    • This condition is called carotid sinus syncope, and results in dramatic changes in heart rate or blood pressure.
    • Carotid sinus syncope sometimes accompanies convulsive seizures because of the intensity of the carotid sinus reflex when pressure builds in one or both carotid sinuses.

  • Congenital Heart Defects

    • Some children have no signs while others may exhibit shortness of breath, cyanosis, syncope, heart murmur, under-developing of limbs and muscles, poor feeding or growth, or respiratory infections.