Treatment of Reflex Syncope

This review assesses the role of all types of therapy for reflex syncope including physical counter-measures, diet, behavior, drugs and implantable devices. There are no drugs currently demonstrated to have convincingly beneficial effect by randomized controlled trial. However, provided that the patient experiences warning of an impending attack physical counter-measures are demonstrably effective. Implantable cardiac pacemakers have a role in a carefully selected minority of patients with vasovagal syncope. Pacing, dual chamber of cardio-inhibitory Carotid Sinus Syndrome is the treatment of choice. Modification of lifestyle in terms of fluid, caffeine and salt consumption is necessary in many cases but has little scientific background. Educating and reassuring the patient is an important part of management. The patient must understand that attacks are not as dangerous as they might seem in most cases and learning to anticipate those permits evasive measures.