Vaso-Vagal Discussion

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Re: Has anyone heard of V V episode from a bump to the head? Doct...

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From: Rebecca

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When I read your posting, I remembered something I had read several months ago about a condition called RAS, or reflexive anoxic syndrome. Your description of your son's episodes sounds more like this than VVS, especially since he's so young. I can't remember where I read that, and I haven't been able to find much more information on it, other than some on Breath Holding Syndrome, which appears to be the same thing. What I do remember is that it most often occurs in young children; it's harmless to the child; episodes are most often in response to pain, but also in response to being startled, or even frustration; the child's breathing stops, the child may go limp or faint, and the child's heart may even stop briefly (but not long enough to cause any damage to the brain); episodes usually last no longer than 1 minute; during an episode, parents/caregivers should lie the child on his/her back or side; and most children grow out of it by age 5 or 6, but some may have fainting spells into adulthood. I really wish I could remember the exact place I read this so you could look it up yourself, and I will continue to look for it and any other information I can find. I know a lot of doctors haven't heard of it, but it might be worth checking into. The important thing to remember is that whether it's VVS or RAS, it is not dangerous for your child. I wish you the best of luck with this--I know it's tough to deal with.


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