Vol.100 No.5 contentsPRACTICA OTO-RHINO-LARYNGOLOGICA
Vol. 100 No. 5 May 2007
A Case Report: Dizziness Due to Vasovagal Reflex
Yoshio Masaki
(Masaki Jibika Clinic)
The vasovagal reflex is a reflex reaction in which abnormal autonomic system activity may be involved, and it has been known as a cause of dizziness and syncope while standing up. Here, I describe a case of multiple episodes of dizziness and syncope associated with the vasovagal reflex noted in a 6-year-old girl. The patient had repeated episodes of dizziness and syncope while standing up, but no electrocardiographic or organic abnormalities were detected. The active standing test was performed, and the patient was asked to stand up without assistance after being kept at rest for 15 minutes in a supine position. During the test, vital signs and electrocardiographic data were obtained. Dizziness and syncope occurred 14.5 minutes after the patient stood up. At that time, the patient's blood pressure was 86/52 mmHg, and heart rate decreased to 44/min. In addition, cardiac arrest was noted for six seconds. A diagnosis of the cardioinhibitory type of the vasovagal reflex was made. The patient is now being treated with a1 stimulator and a tilt training program, exhibiting an uneventful clinical course.
Key words : dizziness, orthostatic dysregulation, vasovagal reflex, neurally mediated syncope