What if your vision suddenly went dark and you collapsed? | Vasovagal Syncope

Hello. This is Baengnokdam Korean Medicine Clinic.

1. My vision suddenly went dark, and I collapsed.

On the subway ride to work, the person in front of me stumbled and then collapsed onto the floor.

Some say it's syncope, others say it's low blood pressure, and still others say it's due to stress.

However, for the person experiencing it, this single collapse is not a simple matter.

What's scarier than the question, 'Why did it happen?' is the anxiety of 'What if it happens again?'

The name of this symptom is vasovagal syncope.

While it poses no major threat to life, it leaves significant inconvenience in daily life.

2. Why the Brakes Suddenly Engage

The body's decision to faint is ironically a defense mechanism for survival.

When one feels tense or experiences pain, the sympathetic nervous system becomes activated.

Heart rate increases, and blood pressure rises.

However, when this state reaches an extreme, the body autonomously applies the brakes via the vagus nerve.

Heart rate drops sharply, blood vessels dilate, leading to reduced blood flow to the brain and ultimately, loss of consciousness.

This is similar to a car suddenly stopping short when the accelerator and brake are pressed simultaneously.

3. Is it Simple Syncope, or Autonomic Dysregulation?

Syncope, literally, is an event of sudden loss of consciousness.

However, people who experience similar dizziness, palpitations, and cold sweats, even if they don't progress to full syncope, repeatedly experience these symptoms.

In such cases, the term autonomic dysfunction is sometimes used.

What's important, however, is that vasovagal syncope typically has a relatively clear trigger, while autonomic dysregulation is a persistent and chronic imbalance.

For example, a student who collapses during an exam likely has vasovagal syncope, whereas someone who is consistently dizzy, tired, and drowsy after meals is closer to having autonomic dysregulation.

4. The Meaning of Syncope in a Patient's Life

Even a single episode of syncope can be a tremendous shock to the patient.

Collapsing unconsciously evokes a feeling of losing control over one's body.

Moreover, if this recurs, the anxiety of 'When will I collapse again?' is heightened.

One feels more anxious when standing than when lying down, and especially when out and about, to the point where going out itself can feel burdensome.

5. Western Medical Treatment – A Strategy Focused on Management

In Western medicine, behavioral therapies are generally recommended.

Patients are advised to be mindful of postural changes, consume adequate fluids, and if symptoms feel imminent, to lie down and rest beforehand.

In severe cases, medication may be combined, but unless there's an underlying medical condition, most patients are told, "There's nothing seriously wrong."

Ultimately, patients conclude that they must manage their condition themselves.

6. Syncope from a Korean Medicine Perspective – The Perspective of Gyeoljeung (厥證)

In Korean medicine, similar symptoms have long been referred to as Gyeoljeung (厥證).

This term signifies 'qi flowing inversely upwards and dissipating.' The typical presentation of Gyeoljeung, characterized by loss of consciousness, cold limbs, and a weak pulse, closely resembles vasovagal syncope.

In particular, pathological mechanisms such as Gi-Gyeol, Sim-Gi-Heo-Tal, and Sim-Gi-Yeok-Dong also align well with explaining the abrupt shift in the sympathetic-parasympathetic system.

7. Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine: Focusing on Recovery

Rather than merely "blocking" these symptoms, Korean medicine focuses on reducing recurrence and restoring the body's balance.

For example, acupuncture treatment focuses on acupoints along the Pericardium Meridian (Simpo-gyeong), Ren Meridian (Immaek), and Du Meridian (Dokmaek), stabilizing the autonomic nervous system and promoting circulation.

Key acupoints include Baihui (백회), Neiguan (내관), Zusanli (족삼리), and Taichong (태충).

Herbal medicine, based on pattern differentiations such as Sim-Gi-Heo (Heart Qi Deficiency), Gi-Hyeol-Yang-Heo (Qi and Blood Dual Deficiency), and Sim-Bi-Yang-Heo (Heart-Spleen Dual Deficiency), utilizes formulas like Saengmaeksan, Bojungikgitang, and Gwi-bi-tang.

All these treatments are not simply about "keeping one awake," but rather about helping one stay stably awake.

8. Harmonizing Constitution and Lifestyle Rhythm

Syncope is a warning from the body.

It's also a sign that one is currently pushed to the brink.

In reality, a combination of sleep deprivation, dehydration, accumulated stress, and an irregular lifestyle may all have been at play.

Korean medicine treatment is not just about preventing a single episode of syncope, but rather about understanding why the person was pushed to that brink and designing a recovery path tailored to their constitution.

Syncope can be a frightening experience, but it is more of a warning light than a disease itself.

Not ignoring that warning, how one interprets and responds to it is crucial.

If Korean medicine can help broaden the scope of that interpretation, it will be worth more than mere treatment.

#VasovagalSyncope