Health Dictionary
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AVNRT vagal maneuvers
Introduction
Overview
Overview
Some people with known AVNRT may be able to stop their attack by using various maneuvers to activate the vagus nerve. This includes carotid sinus massage (pressure on the carotid sinus in the neck), submersion of the face in ice water to trigger the diving reflex, putting the patient in Trendelenburg position or the Valsalva maneuver (increasing the pressure in the chest by attempting to exhale against a closed airway). Vagal maneuvers are contraindicated in the presence of hypotension.
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]