Convulsive Syncope

Convulsive syncope is fainting that includes jerking muscle movements after you pass out. It’s a rare subtype of vasovagal syncope. In some people, just seeing a needle or blood can make them faint and have convulsions. But it lasts less than one minute, and people recover quickly.

Although it may look worse than other fainting episodes, it’s very similar. And even though people may mistake it for a seizure, it isn’t one. Treatments can help prevent future episodes once you learn the cause.

Symptoms of convulsive syncope

Convulsive syncope symptoms may include:​

• Dizziness
• Sick feeling
• Loss of consciousness for fewer than 30 seconds
• Jerking muscle movements that happen after you pass out
• Fewer than 10 muscle movements per episode
• Movements that aren’t the same on both sides of your body
• Nausea and fatigue after waking up (“coming to”)

Convulsive syncope causes

Too little blood getting to your brain causes convulsive syncope. This can happen because of a strong response to something around you or because your heart isn’t pumping enough blood.

Triggers of syncope and convulsions include:

• Feeling pain that you didn’t expect
• Reacting to a scare
• Being physically active
• Peeing or pooping

Risk factors

Risk factors for convulsive syncope include things that decrease blood flow to your brain, such as:

• Having a medical procedure, like getting a shot
• Losing too much fluid
• Working in a job that requires you to stand for hours
• Standing up quickly
• Being in a painful or stressful situation

How to lower your risk

You may be able to decrease your risk of convulsive syncope as you would for other kinds of fainting. You can:

• Stay hydrated.
• Avoid standing for long periods.
• Stand up slowly.
• Manage pain and emotional stress.
• Look away when getting a shot.

Complications of this condition

You can hurt yourself if you fall when you have syncope and convulsions. You may also get hurt if your arms hit something nearby when they’re moving.

How doctors diagnose this condition

A healthcare provider will make sure you aren’t having a heart issue or seizure. You may have had a seizure if you had behavior changes, déjà vu or thought you smelled something that wasn’t really there.

Diagnostic tests may include:

• Physical exam
• Electrocardiogram (EKG)
• Echocardiogram
• CT (computed tomography) scan
• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan
• Electroencephalogram (EEG)

How is it treated?

Convulsive syncope treatment varies based on the cause of syncope. You may need to start taking medicines or have a procedure to keep you from fainting again.

Treatments may include:

• Fludrocortisone
• Midodrine
• Pacemaker
• Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD)

When should I see my healthcare provider?

If you pass out, with or without jerky muscle movements, you should get emergency medical care right away. A healthcare provider can determine if a serious condition made you faint. You may also have injuries that need care if you hit your head.

Questions to ask your provider may include:

• What caused this episode?
• Do I need testing?
• Do I need to take medicine?
• Can I still drive?

What can I expect if I have convulsive syncope?

You could faint again if you don’t know what’s making it happen. If you do know the cause, it’s possible to avoid fainting in the future.

Often, passing out happens because of a short-term situation. In many cases, it’s not a serious problem. But to be safe, it’s a good idea to get medical attention. If a medical condition is making you pass out, you can get treatment for it.

Can this be prevented?

You may be able to keep yourself from fainting in some simple ways. If you feel like you’re going to faint, try:

• Lying down
• Gripping a rubber ball in your hand
• Crossing your legs, looking down and clasping your hands while standing
• Sitting with your head between your knees
• Putting your body in a squatting position
• Kneeling as if you’re about to tie your shoe