Posted by medlib on October 25, 2000, at 17:30:58
In reply to Re: Fainting--Head Tilt Test, posted by Noa on October 25, 2000, at 16:38:44
Noa--
The tilt table test is more demanding than it sounds like. By slow, they mean over a period of 25-45 minutes. I've seen quite a number pass out on it. Many people unconsciously hyperextend or "lock" their knees when reclining/standing in one place for a while--which cuts off venous blood return from the lower legs. This alone often is enough to cause blackout (aka the "Palace Guard Syndrome"). But, IMHO, there's no reason to take a test if nothing is to be done with the results.
Regardless, it's great that you have a presumed dx. If something similar happens again, head between the knees position helps some (if there's time).
Well wishes---medlib
P.S. I yawned through this whole post, as well as the one last night. It's hopelessly contagious!
> I did some more reading online and it turns out the head tilt test involves lying on a table, and then they tilt it from horizontal to either 60 or 80 degrees vertical, and measure heartrate, bp, etc. Some people faint during the procedure, which confirms the v-v syncope dx.
>
> I don't know. I don't think I would faint in that test. I usually have no problem going from sit to stand or lying in bed to standing, although as a teen, I used to "grey out" sometimes.
>
> But I still thing the v-v response makes sense in explaining why I fainted--I think it was the yawn.
poster:medlib
thread:47237
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20001022/msgs/47362.html