Warning Signs Of Vasovagal Syncope

Vasovagal syncope is the medical name for the condition where individuals faint due to a bodily overreaction to certain triggers. Two of the most common triggers are extreme emotional distress or the sight of blood. When a patient is exposed to the trigger, their blood pressure and heart rate suddenly drop. This causes a reduction in blood flow to the brain, which then leads to a brief loss of consciousness. In most cases, vasovagal syncope is harmless and doesn't require treatment. However, some patients may injure themselves when they faint. A patient's doctor might also recommend further testing to rule out cardiovascular disorders and other more serious conditions that cause fainting.

Blurred Vision And Tunnel Vision

Prior to fainting, vasovagal syncope patients might experience blurred vision and tunnel vision. Tunnel vision causes the normal field of vision to narrow until an individual is only able to see the objects immediately in front of them. If an individual knows they're prone to vasovagal syncope episodes, tunnel vision can be a warning sign they need to sit down or lie down. Sometimes sitting down can prevent a fainting episode, and even when fainting does occur, an individual is much less likely to injure themselves if they're already on the ground. With vasovagal syncope episodes, the blurry or tunnel vision will occur after exposure to a trigger.

Pale And Clammy Skin

It's common for individuals to experience pale and clammy skin prior to fainting. They may appear paler than usual to others as well because of the sudden decrease in blood flow throughout the body. A cold and clammy sweat might break out over the skin. Clammy skin tends to be related to sweating, though other causes of clammy skin include excessive sweating, fever, hot flashes, an overactive thyroid, or a heart attack.

When caused by a heart attack, the clammy skin tends to be accompanied by chest pain, pain throughout the arms, back, neck, or jaw, and overall lightheadedness. If patients experience clammy skin and a fainting episode without any apparent trigger, it's important to find the cause. However, with vasovagal syncope episodes, recovery generally just involves resting until the body naturally restores its usual blood pressure.

Lightheadedness And Dizziness

It's common for individuals to experience lightheadedness and dizziness right before they faint. The symptoms may feel very similar to those experienced during a panic attack, and it might be hard to distinguish mental anxiety from physical lightheadedness. With that said, if individuals are aware they're prone to episodes of vasovagal syncope, dizziness and lightheadedness can both be seen as precursors to a fainting episode. When they occur, patients should sit or lie down to minimize the risk of potential injury from fainting. The lightheadedness occurs because of the lack of blood flow to the brain. It's hard for an individual to keep their balance and remain standing.

Nausea

Patients with vasovagal syncope might experience nausea immediately before fainting. The sensation may be similar to the one many have right before throwing up. Rather than vomiting, though, there's a loss of consciousness. Along with nausea, individuals might experience uncontrollable yawning in an attempt to deliver more oxygen to the brain. When nausea precedes a loss of consciousness, the chances of the episode being related to vasovagal syncope are higher. If an individual faints without any warning signs, there might be a more serious underlying condition. Individuals should sit down if they experience nausea following exposure to a trigger. The nausea will generally subside when the body's blood pressure returns to normal.

Slow And Weak Pulse

There are a few symptoms bystanders commonly note when an individual is having an episode of vasovagal syncope. They might notice jerky or abnormal movements prior to the loss of consciousness, along with dilated pupils. The patient might also have a slow and weak pulse, which can be attributed to the sudden drop in blood pressure and heart rate. Patients tend to begin recovering from an episode in under a minute. During recovery, their blood pressure and heart rate will slowly return to normal. However, they should try to stay seated for about a half hour, since standing up within fifteen to thirty minutes can cause another fainting episode.