vaso-vagal syncope

[sydniesq]

My 45 yr. old Husband has vaso-vagal syncope. He has had 3 episodes since 1995. Each episode increases in intensity and duration. The last episode came on after having a tooth pulled. I made him lie in bed and do the arm and leg flexes (he was told would ward off the episode) and he still went down while lying in bed. The first two episode he had seizures as well. This episode had no seizure and his heart stops and he quits breathing like the 2nd episode. He turns blue due to the lack of oxygen. I performed CPR for 4 1/2-5min. before he started breathing on his own. Yesterday the cardiologist said he would not die from an episode and his heart will re-start on it's own. I have a hard time believing that he can live(without CPR) if he doesn't breathe for 5 min. Is this true? We are so afraid of what would happen if he had an attack while alone.

[sydniesq]

I appreciate your response. He has had Tilt Table Test (2003)with no episode produced. He also has Hypothyroidism. I have read that it can interfere with the electrical signals from the heart. He is scheduled to have an Echo on 11/21. Any suggestions beyond the Holter monitor to diagnose him properly?

[Niikki]

I am seeing a neurologist in london, and he decided together with the cardiologist that midodrine would aliviate my symptoms?. But this was to no effect. Now I just feel tired and desperate. They haven't ruled out a pacemaker so I was wondering whether that would be the next step? Due to all other treatments not working. i just want to know what's happening to me.They said i am a complicated case as these conditions do the total opposite of each other. Do you think there will eventaully be a cure and be normal again?

[stevie_wonder]

Vaso-vagal syncope does NOT cause seizures or the heart to stop. Please seek help from an Electrophysiologist soon. Arrythmias commonly cause seizure like activity with the syncope.

[Niikki]

I'm 25 years old and have been diagnosed with vaso-vagal syncope and POTS for more than 4 years now. Doctor started me on midodrine a couple of weeks ago and i had to stop them after 9 days, as the medication was making me even worse. I changed my diet, increased salt intake, drink more water (2 litres a day). I'm now very confused and worried at what the next step is. I just want to live a normal life. Do you think a pacemaker is the next resort? only a couple of days ago i had another episode where i blacked out.

[Cleveland Clinic]

Yes you should be concerned that he may die from not breathing for 5 minutes. The duration of the episode in not typical for vasovagal syncope, as these usually resolve in a few seconds. You may need more aggressive evaluation in the form of a tilt table test and/or holter monitor to document any heart pauses. The TTT may give information as to the exact mechanism underlying the syncopal event, and insights into the therapy needed to be instituted to either decrease their incidence or treat it completely.