What are the Symptoms of vasovagal attack?

Vasovagal Attack Symptoms

By

Healthgrades Editorial Staff

• Introduction
• Symptoms
• Causes
• Treatments

What are the symptoms of a vasovagal attack?

A vasovagal attack causes a rapid drop in blood pressure and heart rate, which may result in a number of symptoms. The symptoms can vary in intensity among individuals.

Common symptoms of a vasovagal attack

A vasovagal attack is associated with a number of common symptoms related to a lack of blood flow to the brain. Examples include:

• Blurred or double vision
• Cold skin
• Difficulty breathing
• Disorientation
• Fainting, change in level of consciousness, or lethargy
• Headache
• Irregular heart beat
• Nausea with or without vomiting
• Pale skin or pallor
• Pins-and-needles (prickling) sensation
• Slow heart rate (bradycardia)
• Sweating

Serious symptoms that might indicate a life-threatening condition

Vasovagal attacks by themselves are not serious; however, fainting may be caused by a serious or life-threatening condition. Seek immediate medical care(call 911) if you, or someone you are with, have any of these life-threatening symptoms including:

• Abnormal pupil size or nonreactivity to light
• Chest pain or pressure
• Fast heart rate (tachycardia)
• Injury from a fainting episode
• Pale or blue lips (cyanosis)
• Severe difficulty breathing.