Psychogenic syncope

Sometimes syncope may be feinted. This is known as Psychogenic syncope.

Psychogenic syncope is more likely to occur in younger people. The "syncopal" attacks tend to be numerous - often occurring several times per day. This contrasts with the incidence of Neurocardiogenic (vasovagal) syncope which usually occurs only 3 or 4 times per year! Reported symptoms are usually rather vague and the classic features of vasovagal syncope, such as pallor, sweatiness, are absent. Frequently there is underlying anxiety related, for example, to performance at school.

"Syncope" may be induced on a tilt table, but unlike true syncope there is no change in heart rate or blood pressure. Also, no EEG (brain wave) changes are seen when "syncopal".

 Last updated 19/01/2008