Vaso-Vagal Discussion

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Vaso-vagal "attacks"

From: Helene Damgaard

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I have had those attacks ever since I can remember, passing out in school, while standing in line, and once while driving. It comes always very suddenly and my attacks are quite severe, including nausea, complete loss of bowel/bladder, extreme fatigue for up to 36/48 hours, my body is instantly covered in a heavy sweat to the point where it actually drips from my fingertips, light-headedness, fast heartbeat, gasping for air, and the "sound" of rushing waters in my ears. The worst attack necessitated an emergency call for ambulance in January '04, and had an other last evening, as I was quietly talking with my youngest son on the porch. Doctors have never been able to identify these problems or give it a name. It was the ambulance medic who, upon examining me at home, uttered the words "vaso-vagal". Wow! at last there was a name for it! And, best of all, it was not "all in my head". That's all I wish to write at this time.

Helene D. in Surrey, B.C.


This web site is not a substitute for a thorough medical evaluation and diagnosis of your vaso-vagal type symptoms.  Medical treatment and diagnosis is the only acceptable initial response to these serious symptoms since they might present from any number of life threatening and treatable illnesses. It is for you and your physician to rule out more serious illnesses; Please don't use this online forum as an alternative to getting responsible medical attention and being under the care of a physician for the duration of any unknown, suspected or dangerous vaso-vagal syndrome symptoms.
Last changed: June 22, 2007