Vaso-Vagal Discussion

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Re: bowel movements, intestinal upset, etc.

From: CC
Date: 8/21/00
Time: 6:58:58 AM
Remote Name: 142.89.253.78

Comments

I hope someone may be able to help me. I suffer from panic attacks, and have for many years. But I've noticed over the past several months that my panic attack seems to occur a few minutes before I a bowel movement. These spells are different from my panic attacks. My vision suddenly becomes distorted, I begin to sweat, I'm quite dizzy and lightheaded, and my heart usually palpitates somewhat. I am wondering if this may be a vaso-vagal response associated with the bowel movements, which then triggers a panic attack because of the symptoms??

I have never actually fainted, though I feel close to it many times. I'm wondering if anyone has experienced this sensation?

Vaso-vagal episodes in teenage daughter

From: SP

Comments

My 17-year old daughter just had her 4th VV episode, which unfortunately occurred at school while she was sitting in a class. She fell out of her chair during the episode, so the school nurse had to be called. Her episodes include "seizure-like acitivity". Her previous episodes were at ages 5, 10, and 16. The trigger appears to be blood. For example, losing her first tooth and then showing me where her space was while looking in a mirror set off the first episode. Five years later, we were leaving the dentist's office after a tooth extraction and she had the second episode in front of the dentist. The third came 6 years later while she was seated having blood drawn. The last one did not have to have blood visible, but occurred when a teacher was retelling a stabbing incident. As mentioned, she has a seizure associated with her episodes. Not all "blood-related" events trigger a response. She has had her wisdom teeth extracted without a problem. She has had EKGs, an EEG, echocardiogram, holter monitor, blood tests, etc. which have been normal. She has been told by the family doctor to lie down on the floor as soon as she feels dizzy, but school settings are not conducive to such measures. She is most distressed after this latest episode in front of her classmates and wants to know what drug(s) have been successful in preventing onset. We do have an appointment with a neurologist in a couple of weeks and want to go prepared. Any information would be most appreciated.


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