When viewing this topic in a different language, you may notice some differences in the way the content is structured, but it still reflects the latest evidence-based guidance.

Neurally mediated reflex syncope

Last reviewed: 5 Oct 2024
Last updated: 30 Jun 2022

Summary

Definition

History and exam

Other diagnostic factors

  • history of recurrent faints
  • absence of structural heart disease
  • provocative factor
  • nausea
  • lightheadedness
  • pallor
  • diaphoresis
  • diminished vision or hearing
  • physical injury
  • fatigue after episode
  • palpitations
  • bradycardia
  • absence of family history of sudden death
  • neuralgia
Full details

Risk factors

  • prior syncope
  • prior history of arrhythmias, myocardial infarction, heart failure, or cardiomyopathy
  • severe aortic stenosis
  • prolonged standing
  • emotional stress (especially in a warm, crowded environment)
  • dehydration/hypovolemia
  • preceding episode of nausea and/or vomiting
  • preceding episode of severe pain
Full details

Diagnostic tests

1st tests to order

  • 12-lead ECG
  • serum hemoglobin
  • plasma blood glucose
  • serum beta-hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin)
  • cardiac enzymes
  • D-dimer level
  • serum cortisol
  • BUN and serum creatinine
Full details

Tests to consider

  • echocardiogram
  • tilt-table test
  • carotid sinus massage (CSM)
  • insertable loop recorder
  • electrophysiologic study
  • Valsalva maneuver
  • active standing test
  • cold pressor test
  • cough test
Full details

Emerging tests

  • adenosine triphosphate (ATP) test

Treatment algorithm

ACUTE

vasovagal faint

situational faint

carotid sinus syndrome

Contributors

Authors

Bryant Lin, MD
Bryant Lin

Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine

Division of Primary Care and Population Health

Stanford University School of Medicine

Stanford

CA

Disclosures

BL declares that he has no competing interests.

Paul J. Wang, MD, FACC, FHRS
Paul J. Wang

Professor of Medicine

Stanford Arrhythmia Service

Stanford University School of Medicine

Stanford

CA

Disclosures

PJW receives fellowship support, honoraria, and clinical trial support from Medtronic, which manufactures LINQ, an implantable loop recorder.

Acknowledgements

Dr Bryant Lin and Dr Paul J. Wang would like to gratefully acknowledge Dr David G. Benditt and Dr John T. Nguyen, previous contributors to this topic.

Disclosures

DGB has consultant and equity positions: Medtronic Inc., St Jude Medical Inc., Transoma Inc., Cardionet Inc. DGB is also an author of several references cited in this topic. JTN declares that he has no competing interests.

Peer reviewers

Sanjiv Petkar, MBBS, MD, DM (Cardiology), MRCP

Consultant Cardiologist

Hull and East Riding of Yorkshire NHS Trust

Castle Hill Hospital

East Yorkshire

UK

Disclosures

SP has received sponsorship in the past from Medtronic, Inc. and St Jude Medical, Inc. for attending conferences. He has received speaker's fees from Medtronic, Inc. In addition, he was in receipt of a research grant from Medtronic, Inc. to the University of Manchester.

Kenneth A. Ellenbogen, MD

Kontos Professor of Cardiology

Medical College of Virginia

Richmond

VA

Disclosures

KAE declares that he has no competing interests.

Andrew Parfitt, MBBS, FFAEM

Clinical Director

Acute Medicine

Associate Medical Director

Consultant Emergency Medicine

Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust

Clinical Lead and Consultant

Accident Emergency Medicine

St Thomas' Hospital

London

UK

Disclosures

AP declares that he has no competing interests.

  • Differentials

    • Orthostatic syncope (postural or orthostatic intolerance syncope syndromes)
    • Bradycardia
    • Bradycardia: AV conduction disorders
    More Differentials
  • Guidelines

    • Recommendations for tilt table testing and other provocative cardiovascular autonomic tests in conditions that may cause transient loss of consciousness
    • 2018 ESC guidelines for the diagnosis and management of syncope
    More Guidelines
  • Patient information

    Atrial fibrillation

    Febrile seizures

    More Patient information
  • padlock-lockedLog in or subscribe to access all of BMJ Best Practice

Use of this content is subject to our disclaimer