Reflex asystolic syncope (clinical lecture)

Reflex asystolic syncope (clinical lecture)

A.S. Kotov, K.V. Firsov M.F. Vladimirskiy 

Moscow Regional Research and Clinical Institute, Moscow 

Reflex asystolic syncope — episodes of loss of consciousness and non-epileptic postural tone due to short-term reflex cardiac asystole caused by vagus nerve disorder and leading to subsequent transient cerebral hypoperfusion. Reflex asystolic syncope is characterized by rapid development, short duration and spontaneous recovery. Most commonly found in infants (first and second year of life). The condition is differentiated with epilepsy, syncope of another etiology, affective-respiratory attacks of the blue type, somatic diseases. During physical examination, special attention should be paid to the state of the cardiovascular system to suggest organic heart disease. History and physical examination data commonly reveal a possible cause of syncope. A small number of children need pharmacological therapy either with very frequent episodes in response to relatively minor triggers, or in cases of significant parental anxiety.

Keywords: epilepsy, seizures, asystole, syncope, fainting, apnea, breathing.

For citation: Kotov A.S., Firsov K.V. Reflex asystolic syncope (clinical lecture). RMJ. 2023;3:31–34.