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Vasovagal Syncope

Meaning

Vasovagal syncope, commonly referred to as the common faint, is a transient loss of consciousness caused by a temporary drop in blood flow to the brain, resulting from an overreaction of the autonomic nervous system. This reflex is triggered by emotional distress, pain, or prolonged standing, leading to a sudden, inappropriate dilation of blood vessels (vasodilation) and a simultaneous slowing of the heart rate (bradycardia). While generally benign, it represents a temporary failure of autonomic control, demonstrating the powerful, albeit sometimes maladaptive, influence of the vagal pathways on cardiovascular regulation.