Characteristics, perceived stressors, and coping strategies of patients who experience neurally mediated syncope

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to describe the characteristics, perceived stressors, and coping strategies of patients who experience neurally mediated syncope. Methods: Qualitative and quantitative analyses of 65 medical records including both written records and videotaped interviews were performed. Findings: The most frequently reported health problems were gastrointestinal disturbances (61.3%), mood disturbances (56.5%), headaches (53.2%), and chronic fatigue (47.4%). Risk for injury was high, with 54.1% of subjects indicating that they had an episode that resulted in a fall and 44.3% indicating that they had sustained an injury as a result of syncope. Distressing symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, nausea, chest pain, headache, confusion, and dyspnea often persisted for hours or days after an episode of syncope. Coping strategies included limiting or changing activities and avoiding injury. Conclusions: Neurally mediated syncope is a disruptive, distressing disorder that is a source of significant disability. Comprehensive care should include a holistic assessment of the impact of the disorder and appropriate referrals or interventions for psychologic, social, and occupational issues. (Heart Lung® 2001;30:244-9.)