14 Year Old With Fainting Episodes. Overactive Vagus Nerve Present. Had A Concussion After Head Injury. Suggestions?
About a month ago she saw a Neurologist, without doing any testing he agreed the the vagus nerve dx. Also, earlier in the summer she had an Echo that was WNL.My sister says that the spells have never been accossicated with my niece's period. And unfortunately, I'm not sure how long she is out because no one has really timed it. According to my sister, probably just a few minutes. No loss of bladder control or AMS after the each episode.
I really feel like something is going on ....any suggestions?
Thanks for your query.
I shall make an effort to provide you with good professional recommendations specific to your questions.
Looking at the history, my only wonder is about the neurologist who has not felt the need to do any tests. I feel your niece needs to be investigated. I would like perform a few tests to rule out some conditions that might be causing her recurrent loss of consciousness:
1. What is the status of her head injury - probably scan of the brain may be helpful.
2. Blood glucose tests/diabetes testing to rule out undiagnosed diabetes.
3. EEG(Electroencephalogram)/brain wave scans - sometimes absence seizures of low threshold can be near to passing out.
4. If vagus nerve etiology - any nerve conduction tests to see the integrity.
5. Blood pressure readings - hypotension can be another cause.
6. Blood tests - Hemoglobin and cell counts. (Tiredness associated)
It is good to hear that Echo was normal, but a complete heart check up that includes EKG / Holter monitoring done under the guidance of a cardiologist would be needed if neurological evaluation comes normal.
Discuss with her primary healthcare provider about these tests. If they have been done, I will be able to answer your query better if you could upload the results of these tests here.
Yet again, I duly appreciate your query to me, I do hope that you have found something useful to help you and I shall be glad to answer any further apprehensions.
Sincerely