Vaso-Vagal Discussion

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Re: Daughter recently diagnosed - need information

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From: Rebecca

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It sounds like the doctors didn't tell you to do anything other than the medication. You should make sure she drinks enough water every day--more than you might think she needs. You also want to make sure she increases her salt intake, as that can help to increase blood pressure. Gatorade is a really good thing to drink, even if she doesn't like it (I don't, but I put up with it because it helps). She should avoid being out in the heat for too long, and her showers/baths shouldn't be too hot. My doctor said he's seen a lot of young females who pass out right after a shower, while they're using a curling iron or blow dryer--the combination of being overheated from the shower and iron or dryer and standing for a long time makes them pass out. Most people with VVS have to limit their caffeine intake and I can't have any at all, so you might want to try avoiding all caffeine for a while. She should stand up slowly and try not to stand in one place for too long, and if she does feel like she might pass out she should lay down. Sometimes triggers are hard to spot, but they're usually there, at least for me. Everything I mentioned so far is a trigger for me. I also pass out when I'm really stressed, I'm in a lot of pain, haven't been sleeping enough, or I'm sick. For a while I was passing out more at night, so I took a short nap or at least rested in the middle of the day and that helped. I don't know what you've been told so far, but hopefully some of this helps.


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: July 27, 2007