Diagnosis:
A type of neurally mediated syncope
A clinical diagnosis. Occasionally carotid sinus massage is used.
Carotid sinus massage:
- False positives occur i.e. if positive it is not necessarily the cause of syncope
- Observe contraindications & procedural care
- Must have negative results for other causes of syncope
Positive if with 5 seconds of unilateral longitudinal massage:
- Paroxysmal AV nodal block
- Asystole for at least 3 seconds
- BP drop >50 mmHg systolic or >30 mmHg diastolic