Work

Situational Syncope Triggered by Swallowing

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Syncope is characterized by a transient loss of consciousness. Swallow syncope, a rare cause of syncope, is caused by vagus nerve activation resulting in vasodilation and bradycardia, thus causing transient hypotension and cerebral hypoperfusion. It is diagnosed through clinical history, cardiac, and esophageal evaluation. We present a case of swallow syncope in a patient with significant cardiac history. Initial cardiac and esophageal testing was normal. Long-term telemetry revealed bradycardia with swallowing, and the patient underwent pacemaker placement. Swallow syncope is associated with a variety of esophageal and cardiac conditions. Management involves addressing the underlying cause; pacemaker placement is sometimes necessary. KEYWORDS: syncope; swallow syncope; reflex syncope; pacemaker.

Source: ACG Case Reports Journal

DOI: 10.14309/crj.0000000000001588

Authors: Abigail Layton Ellington, Samuel Thierjung Tarry, Matthew Nigel Hugh Ellis, Steven B. Clayton

Institutions: Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Wake Forest University, Duke University, Duke Medical Center

Language: English

Topic: Cardiovascular Syncope and Autonomic Disorders

Subfield: Surgery

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

Funders: American College of Gastroenterology, Wake Forest School of Medicine