What is Neurocardiogenic Syncope?

Neurocardiogenic syncope is the medical term for the common faint. The Heart Rhythm Society reports that up to 40 percent of fainting is classified as neurocardiogenic syncope. This disorder primarily affects young people who do not have neurological problems or a history of heart disease. Most young people outgrow the condition in their mid-20s. The fainting associated with this general disorder is believed to be a result of a miscommunication between the heart and brain. This miscommunication results in a slow heart rate and a drop in blood pressure that produces dizziness and fainting. This most commonly occurs when a person moves from a seated or lying down position to standing.

Types

• Besides the general disorder of neurocardiogenic syncope, there are more specific types of the disorder. One type is postural tachycardia syndromes. This condition produces a very fast heartbeat when a person stands versus a slow heart rate. It can cause fainting. Neurological syncope is also another type of neurocardiogenic syncope. This condition which also produces fainting is primarily caused by conditions that affect the nervous system such as Parkinson's disease and epilepsy. Metabolic syncope is when fainting occurs because of low blood sugar or hyperventilation. Psychogenic syncope is when fainting occurs due to depression, panic or anxiety.

Occurrence

• The Comprehensive Cardiovascular Care Group reports that individuals who are predisposed to neurocardiogenic syncope generally have fainting spells associated with the following settings/conditions: During stressful events, after exercising, being in warm, hot or crowded environments, after being in an upright position for a long time such as standing on a stage or standing in line, after eating, during an illness, when dehydrated or when alcohol is consumed.

Diagnosis

• Neurocardiogenic syncope cannot be diagnosed by heart rate screenings or routine blood pressure screenings. A tilt table test is used by some medical practitioners to provoke the episode in a controlled medical setting. The test involves measuring the blood pressure and heart rate of patients when the head is in a 70-degree upright angle. Nausea may be present for two to three days after the tilt table test.

Treatment

• Treating neurocardiogenic syncope does not cure the problem, however it can keep the fainting spells from occurring as frequently. Individuals who are prone to fainting spells are advised to increase their fluid/water intake. This keeps the body properly hydrated. Increasing salt intake can go far in treating neurocardiogenic syncope in patients who have low-sodium levels. However, adding extra salt to the diet should be coupled with drinking even more water. People who are prone to fainting should avoid triggers such as long lines or standing in one position for an extended period of time, taking showers or baths with overly hot water, avoiding hot areas such as beaches, saunas, hot tubs and amusement parks. Caffeine intake should be reduced and alcohol should be avoided. Individuals who suffer with frequent fainting episodes can be prescribed medication.

Helpful Maneuvers

• People who are predisposed to fainting can do things that can prevent a fainting episode. These things include crossing the legs---even when standing---or squatting, putting one leg up on a chair, bending at the waist, lying down when they are tired or feeling light-headed, fidgeting when they are forced to stand for long periods of time, placing the hands on the knees and leaning forward when sitting or standing, and wearing waist-high support hose.