Vasovagal Syncope

Syncope is the medical term for fainting. Vasovagal Syncope is a fainting episode that occurs as a result of orthostatic or emotional stress such as suddenly standing up or the sight of blood. This occurs because of a dip in your heart rate and blood pressure causing your blood to escape to your legs, reducing the flow of blood in your brain and making you temporarily lose consciousness.

Vasovagal syncope is a benign condition. It is common and often confused with epilepsy. The symptoms vary and aren’t always the same from patient to patient. Children with  hypermobile joints  are often noted to have vasovagal syncope as the symptoms go hand in hand. Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome and Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes patients are also at an increased risk of syncope. Symptoms of syncope include a pale color complexion, lightheaded or dizziness, hot, sweaty or clammy feeling, visual or hearing disturbance, and blackout.

A low salt diet is often contributory to vasovagal syncope. As a result of low salt, the blood pressure is abnormally low and when the child experiences a trigger, they immediately faint because their heart can’t fight back. It is for this reason that salt should never be restricted in children. The human body dumps excess salt right away. You can almost never have too much salt as a child. In patients with vasovagal syncope, consuming pretzels, pickles, salted olives, gatorade, and anything with regular iodized salt (the same salt you use at home) is vital in maintaining adequate blood pressure and decreasing the incidence of fainting. A Tilt Table Study is also recommended to identify the best your course of action for treatment.