What Are the Causes of Neurocardiogenic Syncope?
Other People Are Reading
-
In a Nutshell
-
Neurocardiogenic syncope, also called vasovagal syncope or neurally mediated syncope, is the most common cause of fainting, according to the Mayo Clinic. Characterized by a sudden drop in blood pressure followed by loss of consciousness, neurocardiogenic syncope usually occurs due to an exaggerated reaction to a stress trigger, for example emotional distress. Young people during puberty or rapid periods of growth also commonly experience vasovagal syncope.
It's All About Blood Flow
-
Acting like pump regulators, autonomic centers in the brain stem help to regulate blood flow during movement. When the regulators forget to function, pressure is no longer maintained and the system temporarily shuts down as blood flow quickly moves away from the brain.
For example, as a person stands, blood gravitates towards the lower half of the body and the autonomic centers in the brain compensate for the change in blood flow by constricting blood vessels in the legs and prompting the heart to beat faster.
-
Malfunction!
-
For a person suffering from a fainting spell caused by vasovagal syncope, the autonomic centers in the brain stem temporarily malfunction and miss the cue to regulate a change in blood pressure. Because of this, the person experiences a rapid movement of blood flow away from the brain. As the blood pressure in the brain drops too quickly, the person loses consciousness.
This loss of pressure is temporary and the autonomic centers in the brain stem quickly recover. As the pressure is reestablished to appropriate levels, the person awakens feeling groggy, normally with a slight headache.
Not to Worry ... Talk to Your Doctor
-
Vasovagal syncope, according to the Mayo Clinic, is generally not considered a serious condition. Fainting spells caused by this condition are typically brief with no lasting side effects.
However, the Mayo Clinic suggests that anyone who experiences unexplainable or frequent fainting contact his physician. Vasovagal syncope is not serious, but it is also not the only root cause of fainting. Other more serious conditions, such as a heart condition, may be responsible for the fainting spells.
The Mayo Clinic advises that treatments exist for patients experiencing neurally mediated syncope to an extent that it affects the quality of their lives. Depending on the cause of the condition, a doctor may prescribe blood pressure medication, antidepressants or blood vessel constrictors, in addition to common therapies, such as leg and foot exercises and elastic leg stockings. In very limited cases, the use of a surgically implanted electrical pacemaker may become necessary.
-
