Vasovagal Countermeasures- Fainting

Vasovagal Countermeasures

Chambers Medical Group treats a myriad of injuries following motor vehicle accidents (MVAs). This leads to a variety of patients that are already in an overly stressed state being treated in the clinics. I am Dr. Aaron Workman, a chiropractor at one of the highest rated car accident medical facilities in Lexington, Kentucky. Recently, I experienced a situation where a patient possibly experienced a Vasovagal syncope, commonly known as fainting, while in the office. It was a conventional visit up to the moment the patient fainted, followed by severe dizziness, vomiting, EMS arrival and a trip to the emergency room. The patient was released from the hospital and told they had likely just fainted. Since that incident, the patient has not had a recurrence. It is important to understand what to do if you are ever caught in this situation, so let us take a moment and discuss Vasovagal syncope.

Vasovagal syncope happens as a sudden, brief loss of consciousness caused by a drop in heart rate and blood pressure. This condition often occurs in response to triggers like stress, pain, prolonged standing, or even the sight of blood. It can be alarming especially if it leads to falls or injuries. For example, while visiting our dad in a hospital room, I saw my brother faint and hit his head so hard he had to get a CT scan. This could have been a dangerous situation due to fainting.

The first step in managing vasovagal syncope is recognizing the early warning signs. Symptoms like quickly becoming lightheaded, nausea, a feeling of warmth, blurred vision, or a sudden cold sweat often precede fainting. Educating yourself and those around you about these symptoms can enable prompt action to prevent a full fainting episode.

What To Do?

1. Lie Down or Sit Down: If possible, lie down with your legs elevated. This position helps restore blood flow to the brain. If lying down is not feasible, sit down and place your head between your knees.

2. Tense Your Muscles: Tensing the muscles in your legs, arms, and abdomen can help increase blood pressure and prevent fainting. Clinching the fists or interlocking your fingers and trying to pull the arms away from each other may also help slow or prevent fainting. These techniques are known as isometric counter-pressure maneuvers. I would suggest finding videos and watching the movements to understand what to do if put in the situation.

3. Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can exacerbate symptoms. Drink water or a sports drink to help maintain adequate blood volume and pressure.

4. Breathe Deeply: Slow, deep breaths can help calm the nervous system and reduce the likelihood of fainting. This specific one has helped me several times in avoiding fainting. Over time knowing your specific triggers, you may find deep breathing before may get you through the moment.

While vasovagal syncope can be harmless, recurrent episodes should be followed up and evaluated by a healthcare professional. Since this incident followed previous mild head trauma, it was not treated the same as someone fainting from a needle stick. Each person may have unique circumstances for fainting. Your doctor can perform tests to rule out underlying conditions and provide additional strategies for managing syncope. In some cases, medications or medical devices may be used to monitor the heart to test for any related causes.

Understanding and implementing some of these countermeasures can possibly reduce the frequency and severity of fainting episodes.  By recognizing the early signs, starting immediate countermeasures, and understanding what your triggers may be, patients should be able to reduce the dangers associated with this condition. It is a good idea to discuss unique strategies with your healthcare provider so you can have those strategies tailored to any specific needs.

— This article is written by Aaron Workman, DC, one of the members of Chambers Medical Group’s team of car accident chiropractors who offer a variety of treatments and therapies ranging from diagnostic testing to various soft tissue therapies for car accidents and injuries in Kentucky.

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