Do you also suddenly lose consciousness after fainting? (Vasovagal Syncope) Let's be aware of this

Have you ever seen someone faint and fall down after getting an injection or blood draw? You've probably experienced it yourself. Although this is something that scares many people, it's actually not something to be afraid of. Today we're talking about this very common type of fainting, medically known as Vasovagal Syncope.

What is Vasovagal Syncope?

Simply put, Vasovagal Syncope is a sudden loss of consciousness due to a reaction in our nervous system, which causes a sudden drop in blood pressure and heart rate. This loss of consciousness usually lasts less than a minute.

This is something that happens automatically, without our control. Our body has an autonomic nervous system. This system has a very important nerve called the 'Vagus'. This nerve plays a major role in controlling our heart rate and blood pressure. If, for some reason, this vagus nerve is overstimulated, it suddenly lowers our heart rate and blood pressure.

Although it can happen to anyone of any age, the majority of fainting spells are reported to be due to this condition, known as Vasovagal Syncope, in people under the age of 40. Although it may seem scary at first glance, it is usually not a harmful condition.

What are the symptoms before menopause?

Often, you will start to feel some early warning signs about 30-60 seconds before a seizure occurs. If you recognize these signs, you can prevent a seizure from causing an accident.

Why does this happen? What are the main triggers?

There is a specific trigger for this condition. That is, the reaction in the nervous system is triggered by seeing or feeling a certain event. The most common causes are:

• Seeing needles or medical equipment: This can happen to some people when they are having blood drawn, getting an injection, or seeing equipment used in surgery.
• Seeing blood: Seeing your own or someone else's blood is also a major cause of this.
• Severe stress or emotions: This condition can be caused by a sudden , intense feeling of fear, shock, sadness, or pain .
• Extreme fatigue or dehydration: Standing in the same position for a long time, overexertion, and dehydration can also cause fatigue.
• Being in a hot, crowded environment: This condition can also occur when you are in a crowded, poorly ventilated place.

How does a doctor diagnose this?

If you have a seizure like this, it's best to see a doctor. He or she will ask you about the incident. That is, what happened before the seizure, what you felt, etc. In addition, there may be some tests to determine the cause.

• Blood tests: Check for other medical conditions, such as iron deficiency anemia.
• ECG (Electrocardiogram): This helps to detect any abnormal patterns or changes in the heart rhythm.
• Echocardiogram: This is like an ultrasound scan of the heart. It can look at the structure of the heart and determine if there is any abnormality.
• EEG (Electroencephalogram): This test is done to determine if the loss of consciousness is due to a brain problem, such as a seizure.
• Tilt-table test: In this test, you lie down on a special bed and the bed is slowly tilted vertically. Your blood pressure and heart rate are monitored to see if you feel dizzy.

How to prevent and treat this?

Most people don't need any special treatment for this. The most important thing is to identify your triggers and avoid them. But there are some things you can do to stop the urge to urinate when it does occur.

Counter-pressure maneuvers

These methods tighten the muscles of the body and stop blood pressure from dropping.

1. Crossing your legs: If you are standing, cross one leg behind the other. Then tighten your leg, stomach, and buttock muscles.

2. Hand clenching: Clench your fists, interlock them, and pull them outwards. As if you are trying to pull your hands apart.

3. Squeezing a ball: Holding something like a rubber ball in your hand and squeezing it tightly also helps maintain pressure.

In addition to these things, your doctor may also recommend things like:

• Drink plenty of fluids and a little salt: It is important to drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. Some people may also be told to add a little more salt to their food. However, this should only be done on the advice of a doctor.
• Compression stockings: These are special socks that are worn on the legs. They help reduce blood pooling in the legs and maintain pressure.
• Medication: If this condition occurs frequently, your doctor may prescribe certain medications to control blood pressure (e.g. fludrocortisone, midodrine).
• Pacemaker: In rare cases where the heart rate drops abnormally, a pacemaker may need to be implanted.

When is it best to see a doctor?

In addition, be sure to seek medical advice in these cases:

• If you fall and hit your head , even if you have only a minor injury, go to the ETU (Emergency Treatment Unit) immediately.
• If you are taking blood thinners, be sure to see a doctor after a fall.
• If the frequency of seizures increases or the symptoms change.

Vasovagal Syncope, dizziness, loss of consciousness, fainting, low blood pressure, nervous system, neurocardiogenic syncope