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From: CS (UK)
Date: 4/4/00
Time: 5:44:48 AM
Remote Name: 195.147.233.111
Hi there, I understand that much of the cause of vasovagal episodes are organic - e.g. due to dysfunction of the vagus nerve, baro-receptors, increased brain stem gain etc.
In addition to this, some osteopathic thinking comments on the importance of the cranial mechanism and particularly the occipito-mastoid suture (joints at the back of the skull vault, and the need for normal amounts of subtle flexibility here.
If anyone finds this of any interest, please reply and I will be happy to expand on the subject.
Yours,
CS (UK)
From: Jeffrey Lehman fr NJ
I began experience symptoms of near syncope while working full-time during and attending undergraduate and graduate studies at night (1988-1995). I was also exercising at this time. Prior to that, I did have rare symptoms of heavy palpitations when eating large meals, while in the sun on a hot day for an extended period of time, and once when decreasing intervening time while lifting weights (1981-1988). I woke up with tachycardia one night in 1992 which was followed by three succcessive days of angina and dyspnea. I have frequent palpitations which I can tie in most notable with sleep debt.
In 1995, I underwent an EPS about a month after experiencing a full syncope event and a stress test was stopped when I showed possible signs of ischemia. As with the near-syncope episodes, when I sat down I felt better, but when I stood up I expereinced a 'white-out'. I was cleared, but it was confirmed that I had a 0.4 1st degree AV Block and a possible vaso-vagal syncope condition based upon my explanation of symptoms (including dehydration sensations).
In 1999, I strted going for a second MS while working and taking care of family members in a difficult situation. On March 18, 2000 after a particularly fatiguing week during the week and that day, I felt a stabbing chest pain at about 5:30PM when lowering myself into my car seat. The pain was localized in the chest, but I felt a warmth in both nipples and along the elbows. Alarmed, I stood up to walk it off. Then, after about a minute or so, I felt head pressure and then a white-out sensation. I proceeded to sit down again and the pallor faded though the chest pain remained. I called for the EMS and was brought to the Atlantic City Med Ctr where I was almost released until I went into a disorganized, chaotic, Torsaud's VT. I was rushed to Penn Presbyterian in Philadelphia, where I was given an internal pacemaker/defibrillator. I am now on 2x 25mg Metoprolol and 1x81mg aspirin. Caridac output and coronary arteries looked good, but it was found that I had a cardiomyopathy/hypokinesis spot on my left ventrical. They believe that is the source, although I believe-that considering my history-it is an effect of a prior event.
In 1998, I discovered some information on my biological mother, who was diagnosed with systemic lupus about 9 years after I was born. I discovered a sister also who has WPW, SVT, and a possible MI indication. She is strongly tachycardia symptomatic when upset or sleep-deprived. At other times her symptoms seem random and more problematic. In my case, I can tie in the symptoms in to fatigue, over-exertion (after the fact), large meals or fast eating, and stress. Once, I could tie in a mild syncope to an episode of marijuana smoking-which I rarely have done.
My feeling is that any of the three tachycardia events followed periods of perceived low BP and HR. As I mentioned, my cardiologist and her assistants from Penn thinks it is the localized myopathy/hypokinesis. Considering the electrocardiology abnormalities of myself, my sister, and my birth mother I do not accept their conclusion and still am anxious about the array of symptoms and unspecified source.