Neurocardiogenic Syncope (Vasovagal Syndrome)

[Stephanie Lee]

I'm 15 years old and was diagnosed with NCS over a year ago. Besides fainting, heart palpitations, seizures, tremors, insomnia, and head pounding migraines are a constant reminder of it in my daily life. The doctors are totally clueless on what to do. I was diagnosed with this disorder after being on the tilt for only 30 seconds (without the IV and medication) I have to admit that I am better after cutting things out of my diet such as soda pop, chocolate, and anything that contains caffeine or aspartame. I drink over 5 bottles of Gatorade a day and eat gross amounts of salt on everything I eat. This has cut down on my daily fainting. Before this diet I was fainting up to 9 times per week, even sitting down. After I woke up seizures would occur as well as vomiting. I almost went to cardiac arrest at the hospital. This disorder has been a burden to live with. Currently I'm taking Florinef twice a day. The only thing it seems to eliminate is the migranes. I still faint and can not stand it anymore. I'm 15 years old and should be out there having the time of my life instead of sitting inside my house every weekend fearing that i might faint. If anyone has any suggestions please tell me....Thank you...Stephanie Lee

[Kay]

I was diagnosed with having vasovagal attacks just last week, and after the dr told me what I have been suffering for for the last 17 years (I am now 32) that was it and he said that there was nothing I could do about it. He didn't even offer m,e what you are all calling a "tilt test" is that correct ? What should I do about it ? My GP's (Doctors) are all saying that they cannot do anything and because I live here in England perhaps they haven't progressed this far yet . Any ideas ?
The Consultant that I finally went to see said that because I only have them four /five times a year it wasn't worth really worrying about...... does anyone know :-
1. is it hereditery (I have two daughters)
2. is it preventable ?
3. will it damage me in any way if I just leave it (like the doctors have advised )
4. Can I prevent it
5. What causes it ? Stress ? Fear ?  Please e'mail me I am so desperate for any help at all : ***@****  Thank you

[Christine]

I've had vaso-vagal attacks since I was 14, although I didn't get a diagnosis until about five years ago. I'm 48 now. Pain of some kind always triggers the attack. Usually severe stomach cramps set it off, but I suffer from fibromyalgia and occasionally the pain from that has set me off. First I feel vicious pins and needles virtually throughout my body, then, within seconds, my ears start to sing. I go incredibly hot; the sweat pours from me, and I look very pale. I then get flashes of black before passing out completely.
I have always laid myself down on the ground, though, as soon as I've felt the pins and needles, so that I wouldn't fall heavily. I can be unconscious for anything between two minutes and almost an hour.
Does anyone else have the same or similar lead up to the attack? None of your messages mention pins and needles - which I understand is the capilliaries tightening, and I think only one of you mentions being very hot.
Are many of you unconscious for up to an hour? Does this sound dangerous to you? My doctor doesn't seem to be taking it at all seriously.

[Donna Braswell]

My name is Donna Braswell and i am 24 years old and a singal mother of a 2 year old little girl.I feel like i can't do anything. Like can't spend time one on one with my baby because i can't be left alone for a long period of time.There are so many other things i can't do like drive, swim,and so on i am sure you all know that already. I really don't know that much about NCS. I am willing to learn more if anone can help me it would be greatly appreciated.

                             Thanks
                          Donna Braswell
                        ***@****

[Jennie]

I found out that I had NCS the end of July. I have been on lots of different medication and none of it seems to be working. I also have been eating lots of salt and drinking lots of gatorade. I was put in the hospital the end of Aug. when I passed out at work and was coming in and out.  I'm 20years old and am supposed to be away at college but I had to drop out for this semester because I pass out almost everyday.  The doctors are clueless as what to do.  Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[Robin]

I am a 35 year old single mom with two kids.  I am also a return full-time college student.  I was diagnosed with NCS last week from the tilt table test, and spent an entire week in the hospital.  I have had many of the symptoms spoken of, migrains, fainting, dizziness, sleeplessness, extreme exhaustion and confusion.  My doctor has put me on the atenolol as well, but I really don't see much of a difference yet.  I was told a change in diet wouldn't help, but upon reading, I believe I will try some changes.  I am just starting a new life for myself and my children, and felt cheated by the sudden illness.  It has helped to hear that others have had it as well.  I am continuing to go to school with a wheelchair and a cot in the back of the room they provided.  I have found people to be very helpful and understanding, but I must confess medical professionals have been very lax and difficult at times.  There were times I thought I was imagining everything, but now I know I am not.  My prayers go out to you all.  I will take life one day at a time now, and cherish what I get from it.  That is all any of us can do.

Take care and God bless you all.

[M elissa Griffin]

Hello everyone,
I have jusy been diagnosed with neurocardiogenic syncope after spending a week in the hospital.  I am 23 years old, a nurse, and passed out at work on the job.  Luckily because of being a nurse and an employee I got good treatment.  I have tested positive on 2 tilt table tests and am now on proamitine, norpce, and florinef.  I passed out during the tilt table test 13 and 22 seconds after geeting the Isoprel to increase my heartrate.  I am on a high salt diet and bedrest until they get the meds right, but they were kind enough to let me go home home with 24 hour supervision.  I can not drive or go to work which definiety hinders my life.  I was very healthly until my first episode this week, working out 3-5 times per week and eating healthy.  The doctors have no answers to waht causes this.  I just wanted to share my story with you all and wish you good luck.  I am still not sure how this will effect my life, I still have a long scary road ahead of me.  My e-mail address is ***@**** for anyone interested.
Thanks