Carotid Artery Hypersensitivity

Posted By Dan on December 11, 1998 at 18:15:08:







I am a 32 yo male with a hx of unexplained syncope. Past trips to the doctor have never revealed
any significant cause for my syncope. A brief hx is as follows. For approximately 15 years, I
have experienced short episides of syncope about every 2 years. All episodes have occurred
while I have been standing with the exception of my last incident which occurred while sitting. I
am always aware I am about to pass out as I become lightheaded and start to lose focus
beforehand. Episodes usually las t about 30 - 75 sec, whereupon I awake extremely diapheretic
but otherwise unremarkable. I am aware of my surroundings, have no Sz activity, no loss of
bladder control, etc.. CAT scan, echocardiogram, bloods, bg, EKG all are unremarkable. My
father has a hx of unexplained syncope also. He has been diagnosed as being allergic to scallops
which result in syncope, but other episodes have gone unexplained.
After my last syncope episode, I became concerned because I was sitting at the time, not standing
as in every past incident. After some discussion with others I have come upon a common thread
with all my syncope episodes. In EVERY case I have had something constricting around my
neck....suit, tux, tie, etc.. When I was sitting this past weekend, I was at a barbershop and had a
cape and toweling snugged around my neck. Thus, I believe I have symptoms of carotid artery
hypersensitivity. I am currently seeing my doctor to try to find a cause for my syncope and my
questions are as follows:
1. Does this sound like a reasonable diagnosis for my syncope?
2. Is there any tests that can be performed to confirm if this is the cause of my syncope?
3. Are there any other tests I should undergo to rule in/rule out other causes for my syncope?
4. How common is carotid artery hypersensitivity?
5. Can I assume this problem may be controlled by not wearing constricting clothing around my
neck?
6. Would there be any concerns in my job duties as a firefighter (15 years with no syncope at
work)?
Thanks for your time and I look forward to your input.