Key result
Dietary modification prevents lightheadedness in deglutition syncope by eliminating coarse food triggers.
Why the study?
Swallow or deglutition syncope is an uncommon cause of syncope associated with bradyarrhythmia and hypotension during food swallowing, and early recognition is imperative but challenging.
Case Report (n=1)
Deglutition syncope is a rare but important cause of reflex syncope triggered by swallowing, highlighting the need for clinical awareness to prevent adverse events.
May support dietary modification in deglutition syncope; hypothesis-generating and requires prospective validation before practice change.
Swallow or deglutition syncope is an uncommon cause of syncope associated with bradyarrhythmia and hypotension during food swallowing. Early recognition of this condition is imperative but challenging. We report a case of a 60-year-old female who presented with a complaint of intermittent lightheadedness after swallowing food. An episode of presyncope was observed and a reduced pulse rate from baseline was noted when she was instructed to eat a candy bar in the clinic. Further workup revealed normal in-office electrocardiogram, bilateral carotid ultrasound, transthoracic echocardiogram, and videofluoroscopic swallow study. Our goal in presenting this case is to raise awareness of the condition in medical literature and provide a good understanding of its clinical manifestation to prevent life-threatening events.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Piao et al. (2021) conducted a case report in Deglutition Syncope (n=1). Diet modification was evaluated. Diet modification and avoidance of dry or coarse food successfully prevented symptoms of lightheadedness triggered by swallowing in a 60-year-old female with deglutition syncope.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: