[ Home | Contents | Search | Post | Reply | Next | Previous | Up ]
From: Andrea
I am a 33 year old woman who has been suffering with this problem since my childhood. I did see a neurologist during my childhood, in order to rule our seizures, as I do sometimes roll my eyes, curl my hands inward, and bite my tongue. The doctor couldn't find anything wrong. The fainting always accompanied vomiting and/or stomach cramps. It wasn't until I went into labor with my first child that I was diagnosed by a team of heart doctors, who were called in because I was fainting with strong contractions. The way I understood it was that the nerve passes unusually close to the abdomen, and during abdominal "stress," there is too much pressure put on the nerve, causing less blood flow to the brain - triggering fainting. I was in labor, though, so I may not have all of my facts straight. I have adjusted my lifestyle in minor ways. I basically pick a safe, cleanable area to be sick in, and I lay on my stomach. I try not to be alone during these episodes. Hope this helps. Andrea