Seeking info on vasovagal syncope and pseudoseizures
 

Hi. I'm sunnyboy. I am seeking information regarding recovery from vasovagal syncope and pseudoseizures. My husband collapsed last month and was diagnosed with both. It has been one month and he is still extremely weak. We have suffered much emotional stress for the past six years. All the doctor tells us is that it will take a while for my husband to regain his strength. I have searched the internet for help with little success. Can anyone here help me. Thanks!

Hi Sunnyboy,
What your husbands biggest problem is is stress. Stress can cause a lot of emotional and medical problems because when a person is under stress it can affect the hormones changing the body chemistry.
Psuedoseizures are a type of seizure that is what neurologist call a fake seizure because the person having the seizure is bringing on the seizure for attention or it's brought on by emotional problems. To the person having the seizure they seem real but a neurologist looks at it as a psychological problem that's causing the seizure.
My advice to you and your husband is to keep your husband busy so he doesn't have time on his hands to think about stressful, emotional or negative things. Try to do fun things with your family and friends to help reduce his stress. You may also want to tell your husband to try and take vitamin B12 1000 mcg. a day this will help calm down the nerves. check out this website for more info.

www.epilepsy.com

Here's wishing you and your family the best of luck and May God Bless You!


Sue

Hi sunnyboy,
I had vasovagal syncope but grew out of it, as some people do. I somtimes felt weak for weeks, but never discovered a cure for the weakness. Here are some things I found helpful:
-upon waking, lay in bed for a couple minutes before sitting up
-elevate your legs before getting out of bed
-don't stand up too quickly
-get enough sleep
-sodium, caffeine (moderately, of course), and Gatorade can help
-have cold water on hand for when the dizzy feeling strikes
-check your blood pressure regularly to understand which symptoms might lead to syncope
-if you think you might faint, SIT! Put your legs up, if possible. I've reclined with my legs elevated in all different locations... friends' houses, blood labs, locker rooms. Don't try to wait out the feeling.
-make sure the people you spend your day with understand; it could mean the difference between being caught on your way down and landing with a thud
-learn your triggers: standing too long, hot showers, exertion, shopping malls (something about them made me weak!), the sight of blood, etc

Lastly, if you're researching vasovagal syncope, remember that it's also referred to as neurocardiogenic syncope and neurally-mediated syncope. It can be caused by orthostatic hypotension, or a drop in blood pressure upon standing.

Good luck. Hope your holidays go smoothly. :)