Vaso-Vagal Discussion

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Vasal Vagal Attacks

From: Alan Lance Andersen - 2003@interdrama.com

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I suffer from vaso-vagal attacks in which I "pass out" rather than "faint." (According to Dr. Guenther, "fainting" is where you get LIGHT-headed -- sitting down with your head between your knees will stop "fainting." On the other hand, "passing out" is HEAVY-headed, like from drinking alcohol or taking drugs, and you completely loose consciousness and nothing will stop it.)

Anyway, my attacks frequently happen after I eat (usually canned food or commercially prepared food). I also have these attacks in the wee hours of the morning -- 3:00 am to 5:00 am). I have trembling and quaking, shortness of breath, cold sweats, swelling of glands beneath my ears, and a heavy sedation feeling in my head. The attacks that happen after I eat frequently cause me to pass out -- sometimes for 20 or 30 minutes, other times for 3 or 4 hours.

I have been checked for my heart, allergies, and a host of other things -- but nobody can tell me what is causing this. (It began several years ago after I had severe side effects to Prevacid and Nexium.)

The only thing Dr. Carlyle has found that helps is Cheratussin AC cough syrup, which you mustn't take very much of.

Any comments, questions, or insight please reply to 2003@interdrama.com

Thanks.

AL ANDERSEN

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