NeuroTalk Support Groups - Going to hosp. on Tues.

If it helps you at all, I had/have a similar problem. I was finally sen by a top cardio who is a top Cardiac Electrophysiology cariologist who diagnosed me easily. Had tests performed which confirmed his opinion. I have "neurocardiogenic mediated syncopal defect" {also known as NMH neuro mediated hypotension} - a string of big words that means a neuro defect causes the vagal nerve (which affects heart rate and BP) to send improper signals to the heart and blood vessels. It is actually a neuro problem that affects the cardio system (veins, arteries and heart) as opposed to a heart disorder. In other words the brain tells the nerves to dialate/constrict the blood vessels and the heart to increase/decrease pumping velocity & speed.

I had the BP and heart rate (pulse) tests sitting, lying down and standing more times than I can remember, EKGs and a test that is a gold standard called the Tilt-Table test (T.T.T.). I had my TTT done with no medication and with drugs used to induce the problem. I flunked with flying colors. I am on a combination of a beta blocker (Lopressor), midodrine (Proamatine) and Florinef (fludrocortisone) and increased salt uptake. It works very well for me. While I had an intractible case they finally have it fairly well managed on the drugs. A lot of folks can get by with increased salt consumption and/or just one of the meds.

Don't be alarmed if they have you stop the med (Florinef) and schedule a TTT. The procedure sounds frightening and looks a bit scary. It essentially is where you lay on a hard flat table (kind of like a wide MRI table), strap you down with large velcro belts with your feet firmly against the bottom plate. They hook you up to monitors and start an IV access. The table slowly tilts upwards to secific degrees of upright over time then back down again. They do this several times to get an average of marker readings. They may also give you a medicine in the IV (can't recall name) that makes you feel like crap. If you NCMS you will have an episode. I truly felt worse than ever.

My cardio came in and said it confirmed the diagnosis and I went home with Rx. I folow up as needed (at least 1 a year) and my PCP also monitors my labs and heart. The cardio even taught me a manuver that helps overcome the passing out or near passing out dizzies for when I can't just lie down. You essentially cross your legs tighlty while standing and squeeze together like crazy ~ a bit like the gotta go peep pee dance:-). This will force more oxygenated blood to the brain and temporarily increase your BP.

The body works in amazing ways - if your pulse increases your vessels dialate (drop your BP) and vice versa. With this condition the signals (originates in the fight or flight center of the brain, especiall y for temp and exercetion) goes wacky and sends wrong signal or delays sending proper signal. Very much like an extreme version of vaso vagal atack. It is a response not under consious control so this may get your Mom thinking properly as it not in any way under your control.

Hope this helps and good luck finding an answer!!!