Syncope
(Fainting)
Treatment
Neurocardiogenic/vasovagal syncope is the most common type of fainting in children. The treatment of neurocardiogenic syncope centers on dramatically increasing fluid and salt intake. This is to prevent relative dehydration and to expand the blood volume, which can help to maintain proper blood flow and blood pressure. For adults, excessive salt intake isn’t generally recommended, but in children and adolescents, it’s well tolerated with few side effects. A good way to assess hydration status is to monitor the color of urine. If the urine is dark yellow, this means it’s concentrated because the kidneys are trying to retain water. For those affected by neurocardiogenic syncope, hydration should be maintained so that the urine is very pale yellow to almost clear in color.
Most children with neurocardiogenic syncope will respond well to fluid and salt loading. However, some may continue to have episodes despite adequate fluid and salt intake. There are some medications that can be helpful in treating neurocardiogenic syncope, but these have to be taken multiple times per day and can be challenging for adolescents to adhere to well.