Can kids get vasovagal syncope?

It’s the most common cause of fainting in children. Neurocardiogenic syncope (vasovagal syncope) in children is when they faint because their body overreacts to something that distresses them.

Why do kids vasovagal?

A variety of situations stimulate the vagus nerve, which leads to a slowing of the heart rate and dilation of the body’s blood vessels. With a slow heart rate and dilated blood vessels, less blood gets to the brain, and fainting occurs. Pain and emotional stress can trigger vasovagal syncope in susceptible people.

What are the symptoms of NCS?

Neurocardiogenic syncope (NCS) can be quite varied in presentation. It tends to occur in younger patients and tends to exhibit 3 distinct phases that consist of a distinct prodrome (usually lightheadedness, nausea, diaphoresis, or visual changes) followed by a sudden loss of consciousness.

Can you grow out of vasovagal syncope?

Most patients with neurally mediated syncope will outgrow their symptoms. This may take several years though. Patients who are fainting despite these measures can be seen in our Syncope Clinic.

What triggers neurocardiogenic syncope?

Neurocardiogenic syncope is caused by an abnormal or exaggerated autonomic response to various stimuli, of which the most common are standing and emotion. The mechanism is poorly understood but involves reflex mediated changes in heart rate or vascular tone, caused by activation of cardiac C fibres.

How do you test for vasovagal syncope?

How is vasovagal syncope diagnosed? Your doctor will review your medical history and do a physical exam. This will probably include measuring the blood pressure while lying down, seated, and then standing. Your doctor will likely do an electrocardiogram (ECG) as well, to evaluate the heart’s rhythm.

Can kids have syncope?

Key points about syncope in children It’s caused when the brain doesn’t get enough blood. It’s usually harmless, but in a small number of children, it’s caused by a heart problem. Syncope is usually diagnosed with a health history and physical exam, including checking blood pressure and heart rate.

Can dehydration cause vasovagal syncope?

Vasovagal syncope is often triggered by a combination of dehydration and upright posture. But it can also have an emotional trigger such as seeing blood (“fainting at the sight of blood”).

What does it mean when you faint from vasovagal syncope?

Vasovagal syncope is a condition that leads to fainting in some people. It is also called neurocardiogenic syncope or reflex syncope. It’s the most common cause of fainting.

How old do you have to be to have vasovagal syncope?

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 may faint even with relatively mild triggering events. These people tend to have recurrent episodes of syncope, beginning in adolescence.

Can a child with syncope have a normal ECG?

Although the ECG will almost always be normal in children with recurrent syncope, a normal ECG is an important finding. In older children, if symptoms are related to exercise, an exercise test should be performed in the hope of inducing symptoms. In reality, symptoms rarely occur during the test.

Are there any side effects for children with syncope?

Children with neurally mediated syncope most often use Florinef and Midodrine. Florinef works by helping the kidneys hold in fluid and salt. Rare side effects include slight weight gain, very high blood pressure and leg cramping.