Is vasovagal syncope a condition?
Have you ever had the pleasure of getting light-headed, dizzy and feeling as though you are going to faint? If so, you may have experienced vasovagal syncope – or in other words, a sudden drop in blood pressure that leads to temporary loss of consciousness. But is it really a condition? Let’s dive into the details and find out!
The Basics of Vasovagal Syncope
Before we delve too deep into whether or not this is an actual condition, let’s go over what exactly happens during an episode of vasovagal syncope.
Vas-o-what?
Yes, I know the term sounds like something straight out of Star Trek, but bear with me here. Vasovagal syncope occurs when there is a sudden drop in blood pressure which in turn causes inadequate oxygen supply to your brain. As you can imagine, when your brain doesn’t get enough oxygen… well things don’t always work as they should.
This lack of oxygen flow ultimately results in symptoms such as dizziness, confusion and often times can result causing one to pass-out/lose-consciousness entirely. However embarrassing that might sound (which trust me it is) relax knowing that this onsets suddenly when people are unable to adapt quickly from various environmental changes such as standing up for long periods without movement or being overly excited/emotional/stressful situations.
So why does vasovagal syncope occur? Well typically its related activity or stimulation resulting due Autonomic Nervous System response / Postural Hypotension (basically low Blood Pressure).
Now lets address a pressing query,
Is It Really A Condition?
If we’re referring strictly to medical definitions here then yes –vaso-vagus-synechope is considered a condition even though oftentimes these events occur periodically intermingled within daily life transitions.
However — hold onto your seats, kids – there is some disagreement among medical professionals about this. Some argue that it’s simply a reaction to external circumstances and not an actual condition.
The Debates And Controversies
Experts both in with child-like perspectives and ones alike feel contrarily on the vasovagal syncope topic- different arrows from one common bow.
Perhaps part of the reason for this is because, while there may be specific triggers for episodes of vasovagal syncope, there isn’t necessarily always an underlying health issue causing them / serious medical diagnosis which doctors can offer explanation to patients & devising strategies around symptomology over time (now breathe!)
However what we do know is that Vasovagal Syncope events have become repetitive to many individuals who undergo Recurrent Unexplained Syncope -perhaps also referred as( RUS) quite frequently induced under certain environmental shifts/ sensations .
What Could Possibly Be Behind It?
Some Doctors believe Certain triggering mechanisms reflective towards an individual’s biological growth are included within their make up/chromosome sequences (genetic).
Others say it could possibly result due fatigue levels during travel or perhaps even stress when being put in unique situations unfamiliar to regular routines.
And as We’ve previously highlighted before Environmental factors such Standing without movement , Heat exposure and emotional/ exciting news can sometimes cause syncopal symptoms . So again its upto how we deem our choices making small behavioral changes over time .
The Prognosis
Whether or not you consider vasovagal syncope a “condition”, one thing remains true: If you’ve experienced it, chances are you’ll want to take measures in prevention. This includes adjusting lifestyle habits / behaviorisms whenever someone comes across anything resembling episodes beforehand.
Not everybody reacts/responds similarly, so relying purely on online advice won’t be appropriate always. However a few techniques work differently for different people like drinking more fluids (especially if standing out doors for prolonged hours on a hot day), slower movements, increasing viatmin contents in diet and also when feeling faint- SIT!
In dire chronic instances where nothing seems to be working out an individual SHOULD seek medical attention. There is no need to feel embarrassed doing so either– this type of occurrence is more common than people understand & should not be taken lightly.
Final Thoughts
Whether you consider vasovagal syncope a condition or simply a reaction to external stimuli / AKA environmental factors which could involve genetics (OUCH!) the bottom line remains spot on. If you experience episodes of this then take proactive steps for prevention as there’s always light at the end – learning from stumbles along with lifes hurdles making those nuances our BFF’s overtime!