Vasovagal Attack - Treatments

How are vasovagal attacks treated?

Treatment for vasovagal attacks begins with seeking medical care from your health care provider. To determine if you have vasovagal attacks, your health care provider will ask you questions and may ask you to undergo diagnostic tests.

The treatment approach for vasovagal attacks depends on treating the underlying cause of your vasovagal attacks. Treatment will include identifying your triggers for vasovagal attacks and discussing methods to prevent or avoid them. Other forms of treatment for vasovagal attacks are usually not necessary. However, if vasovagal attacks are frequent, your health care provider can prescribe several treatment options.

Treatment options for vasovagal attack

Several treatment options may be used for recurrent vasovagal attacks. These are dependent on the individual’s underlying medical condition and the exact cause of the vasovagal attacks. Examples include:

Medications (antidepressants and blood pressure drugs)
Methods to prevent pooling of blood in the legs (elastic stockings, contraction of the leg muscles while standing, walking in place to use the leg muscles, and consuming fluids)
Surgical procedures (insertion of a pacemaker)

What are the potential complications of a vasovagal attack?

You can help minimize your risk of serious complications by following the treatment plan you and your health care professional design specifically for you. Possible complications of vasovagal attacks include:

Disability from a fall during a fainting episode
Injury from falling
Poor quality of life

References:

Chen-Scarabelli C, Scarabelli TM. Neurocardiogenic syncope. BMJ. 2004; 329(7461): 336-341. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC506859/. Accessed June 3, 2011.

Syncope. American Heart Association. http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4749. Accessed June 3, 2011.

INTRODUCTION

What is a vasovagal attack?

A vasovagal attack is a disorder that causes a rapid drop in heart rate and blood pressure, resulting in decreased blood flow to the brain and fainting. The disorder is also referred to as neurocardiogenic syncope. A vasovagal attack is the most common cause of fainting. A vasovagal attack may occur in a person of any age, but the attacks are more common in children, young adults, and the ... Read more about vasovagal attack introduction

SYMPTOMS

What are the symptoms of a vasovagal attack?

A vasovagal attack causes a rapid drop in blood pressure and heart rate, which may result in a number of symptoms. The symptoms can vary in intensity among individuals.... Read more about vasovagal attack symptoms

CAUSES

What causes a vasovagal attack?

A vasovagal attack is caused by a rapid drop in blood pressure and heart rate, resulting in a decrease in blood flow to the brain. Standing for a prolonged period of time, situations that induce panic or fear, and strenuous exercise can also cause a vasovagal attack.... Read more about vasovagal attack causes