Vasovagal Syncope

A Guide (Based on my Experiences)

General Information

Vasovagal Syncope (VVS) is a form of Dysautonomia (An umbrella term for disabilities that cause dysfunction of the nerves) that is extremely common. Thus, it is generally ignored by majority of Doctors, especially in countries like India - in USA, you could apply for disability, get help & support, and have a service pet.VVS causes a sudden drop in heart rate and blood pressure leading to fainting. It is caused by the dysfunction of the Vagus Nerve. Which just happens to be an important nerve. It's the longest, and most complex cranial nerve. The most important function of the vagus nerve is afferent, bringing information of the inner organs, such as gut, liver, heart, and lungs to the brain.A person suffering from VVS may have specific triggers that set off an attack or episode. This depends on the person, but in my case they are:- Prolonged Standing
- Excessive Heat / Exposure to Sunlight
- Stress & Anxiety (which sucks when you have clinically diagnosed Anxiety Disorder)
- Physical Activity and Strenuous Exercise
- Movement like Bending or Reaching Down
- Climbing up Stairs
- Eating too much & Not eating enough
- Dehydration
- Menstrual Cycle / Blood
- Acute Illnesses like Common Cold, FluThe only thing that can help prevent this, is avoiding all possible triggers, which is a challenge. There is no cure or solution, it is a chronic illness.

A Typical Episode

What an episode looks like varies from person to person, so it is hard to describe. This is an example of what it looks like for me:Pre-Episode:
It's kind of like zoning out, the voices feel weird and out of focus. There's this pain in your chest, and your legs, your head feels heavy, and you can't see that well. Also, your body might start wanting random things. Like out of nowhere I'd start wanting water, a few seconds later, I would not want water and rather want juice, then two minutes later, you'd faint. And right before fainting the room starts spinning, gradually increasing until it's just a blur.During An Episode:
This is split into Two: What people see (Eyes rolling up; head drooping while sitting; and occasionally limbs twitching) and What happens for me (You can hear people talking but it feels far away, most of the time, it's like sleep, You’re dreaming and the dreams in my case are always nightmares. You are semi-conscious, so you can move your lips and hands but it takes a lot of strength to do so) A typical episode can last from around 30 seconds to 3 minutes.Post-Episode:
After you wake up, it's mostly struggling to breathe, and convincing people it's okay. After that you need to have a lot of electrolytes like ORS, or anything salty. The next few days will be quite disorienting. In my case, I can’t focus, and feel tired and breathless. Sometimes I barely manage basic tasks.

I was diagnosed with Vasovagal Syncope, when I was quite small, around 3 years old. During the course of my life, I have fainted over 15+ times. have done countless tests (ECGs, EEGs, MRIs, etc) and all confirm it is Vasovagal Syncope. Good news is it's very common. Bad News is it's chronic and honestly fucking my life up a lot.As puberty & other conditions set in, my symptoms and the frequency of attacks started rapidly increasing. The doctors were little to no help, they didn’t tell me what to do or how to navigate this. It was up to my mother (I am so grateful to her) and I to figure everything out. It took 4 whole years, and a lot of trial and error to get to where I am today. I am proud of how far I’ve come but I know I still have far to go in my recovery journey.We had to make changes in my daily routine, some that isolate me from people, which makes me feel like I’m missing out.For example, I had to drop out of physical school and instead be online schooled for 4 years (still am not back in school, hopefully next year); Barely went outside of my house for 3 years, only started this year after I was hospitalised; Can’t do anything in Summer; Cannot go to crowded areas or concerts; Cannot do too much physical exercise or diet (which sucks when you need to lose weight); Need to carry my Bottle with me everywhere as I dont drink plain water, I mix in ORS.All these and more means I cannot behave like normal people, and it hurts. It hurts when you realise you’re different, and feel like a burden to your family and friends. But I’m getting there, and I need your support.

First and foremost, Educate Yourself Learn about VVS and its triggers. If you have any questions, try a quick google search or ask diagnosed patients (including me).If someone you know, or your friend has VVS, that makes them prone to fainting, help them avoid triggers. Provide a comfortable space to sit or rest when hanging out.If they do faint, please and I cannot stress this enough, stay calm. Lay them flat on the ground, if possible elevate their legs slightly. Keep the crowd away from them. DO NOT sprinkle/throw water on their face or shake them. Wait for them to wake up, while you contact their emergency contact (in my case its my mother)Provide comfort and support to them. Ask if they are okay, but do not pity them. And that’s all you need to know!