Abstract
Swallowing-induced syncope is rare and there are few case reports of it in the existing medical literature. Even rarer are instances involving young and healthy individuals, with no existing pre-conditions or apparent risk factors. Hence the value of such case reports in understanding the phenomenon better and potentially inferring patterns of practical interest is significant; here we describe an unusual case of a swallowing-induced syncope in a young, healthy, and active white man.
Case presentationA healthy 32-year-old white man experienced a syncopal episode following the ingestion of a cold carbonated beverage on a hot day. He rapidly recovered consciousness and save for mild lightheadedness all ill effects disappeared within minutes. On examination no concerns were detected and he was discharged, with the cause being ascribed to esophageal stimulation effected vagus nerve overactivation.
ConclusionsThe suddenness and unpredictability of swallowing-induced syncope make it a potentially dangerous condition, with risks both to the patient as well as, depending on the context, others. However, it is poorly understood due to its infrequency. The present case report adds to the body of much needed evidence which should help facilitate an improved understanding of the phenomenon.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Article number | 37 |
| Number of pages | 2 |
| Journal | Journal of Medical Case Reports |
| Volume | 14 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 28 Feb 2020 |
Keywords
- Fainting
- Swallowing
- Loss of consciousness
- Vagus nerve
- Parasympathetic
Access to Document
- Arandjelović_2020_JMCR_Cold_CC
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