Neurocardiogenic syncope overview

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-In-Chief: Kashish Goel, M.D.

Syncope or loss of consciousness is one of the most common presenting symptoms to the ER (about 3%) and accounts for 1% of the hospital admissions. The most common type of syncope is neurocardiogenic syncope, especially in young adults and pediatric patients. It is also called “vasovagal syncope” and accounts for 50-60% of the unexplained syncope cases^[1]. Neurocardiogenic syncope involves loss of the autonomic nervous system, and inability of the body to maintain blood pressure and heart rate. It can be provoked by fear, emotional stress, excruciating pain, prolonged standing or vigorous exercise. Some of the cases are associated with particular situations like urination, defecation, or coughing^[2].

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