Diseases

Neurocardiogenic Syncope

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Medical definition of vasovagal syncope. : a usually transitory condition that is marked especially by fainting associated with hypotension, peripheral vasodilation, and bradycardia resulting from increased stimulation of the vagus nerve — called also neurocardiogenic syncope, vasodepressor syncope.

SYMPTOMS

Before you faint due to vasovagal syncope, you may experience some of the following:

pale skin
lightheadedness
tunnel vision — your field of vision narrows so that you see only what's in front of you
nausea
feeling warm
a cold, clammy sweat
yawning
blurred vision
During a vasovagal syncope episode, bystanders may notice:
jerky, abnormal movements
a slow, weak pulse
dilated pupils
Recovery after a vasovagal episode generally begins in less than a minute. However, if you stand up too soon after fainting — within about 15 to 30 minutes — you're at risk of fainting again.

CAUSES

Vasovagal syncope occurs when the part of your nervous system that regulates heart rate and blood pressure malfunctions in response to a trigger, such as the sight of blood.
Your heart rate slows, and the blood vessels in your legs widen (dilate.) This allows blood to pool in your legs, which lowers your blood pressure. Combined, the drop in blood pressure and slowed heart rate quickly reduce blood flow to your brain, and you faint.
Sometimes there is no classical vasovagal syncope trigger, but common triggers include: