Health: vagal discomfort, what is it?
The sight of a syringe or blood, a room where it is too hot, an emotional shock ... It does not take more to feel bad and to make a discomfort vagal. This is the most common form of discomfort. Although impressive, it is often benign and easy to prevent.
What is vagal discomfort?
This discomfort, also called vagal shock or vagal syncope if there is a loss of consciousness, is due to excessive stimulation of the vagus nerve, a cranial nerve that can slow the heart rate, regulate digestion or even the functioning of the pharynx.
This nerve belongs to the vagal or parasympathetic nervous system, while the sympathetic system can accelerate the rhythm of the heart. When the balance is between these two systems, there may be syncope. And at the same time, blood pressure can drop, hence the discomfort. We feel dizzy because the blood flow drops in the brain.
Causes of discomfort
Many circumstances can stimulate the parasympathetic system: the sight of blood, the phobia of the crowd, an emotional shock (loss of a loved one, marriage, examination ...), stage fright, fear of bites, intense pain, pregnancy, uncomfortable heat, fasting, prolonged standing (public transport, concert ...).
Men can also suffer, even when they shave, by stimulating a specific area of the carotid rich in parasympathetic nerve receptors.
Symptoms
They are easily detectable: a great feeling of weakness is felt, a ringing of ears or tinnitus, yawning, nausea, headaches, a great pallor, a black or gray veil in front of the eyes, cold sweats, dizziness. The mouth can become dry, one has a stomach ache.
Good reflexes
You have to lie down or lie down and raise your legs against a wall or chair so that the blood flow regulates, reassures her, asks her how she feels, and for how long.
We can also question the person on his medical history, on a possible treatment in progress, an allergy. One can even seek the advice of a doctor, for example by calling urgent medical help.
The vagal syncope is quite spectacular, but does not present any danger as such, as long as the fall does not cause injury or trauma.
If the discomfort comes back often
Most of the time, a discomfort Vagal resorbs in a few minutes of rest. But in case of frequent recurrence, medical treatment may be prescribed. It involves injecting atropine, a molecule found in certain plants and fungi. But this drug is recommended after thorough diagnosis and only if the discomfort is prolonged and occurs repeatedly.
How to avoid recurrences
- sleep enough, about 8 hours per night if possible
- make meals at fixed times and not too rich
- If you have to stand for a long time, contract your calves and thighs to help raise blood
- drink enough, at least 1 liter a day
- do not stay fast for a long time
- in case of symptoms, lie down and elevate your legs
- avoid too hot and confined rooms
