

In addition to these physical factors, there are psychological factors like strong emotions or high stress levels. A lack of ventilation in a crowded environment.Intense effort (from exercise, for example).The sight of blood (from wounds or blood tests, for example).Vasovagal syncope is a frequent phenomenon and has many causes. Some symptoms, like headaches or severe fatigue, may last for several hours after the vasovagal episode. A loss of consciousness lasting a few seconds.Ringing in the ears (surrounding noises become almost inaudible).Before a vasovagal episode you might experience nausea, turning pale and sweating. Vasovagal syncope usually sets in gradually but can also happen very suddenly. What are the symptoms of vasovagal syncope? This phenomenon is very common among younger people aged 15-30, and especially women. Losing consciousness can lead to a traumatic fall or even a fatal accident, like while driving a car. This is known as syncope – or fainting.Īlthough vasovagal syncope in itself is harmless, it’s really the circumstances in which it occurs that can make it dangerous. The drop in blood pressure causes the blood flow to our brain to lower, and this can make us feel temporarily unwell, or experience a brief loss of consciousness. It is involved in the regulation of our breathing, digestive system, blood pressure and heart rate. The vagus nerve plays an important role in the healthy functioning of the body. This is the result of hyperstimulation of the vagus nerve, hence the term ‘vasovagal episode’. Vasovagal syncope is caused by a sudden and temporary drop in your blood pressure and heart rate. Most of the time it’s not a serious condition but it’s important to monitor it, especially if you experience regular fainting. It can affect a lot of people and has many different symptoms.

Vasovagal syncope is the medical term for fainting caused by not enough blood reaching the brain.
