Neurocardiogenic Syncope in the Intercollegiate Athlete : An Examination of Problems and Solutions

Neurocardiogenic Syncope, a condition common in young people, is becoming more recognized in the Athletic Training profession. The purpose of this discussion is to delve into this condition and provide basic knowledge to help the Athletic Trainer manage athletes with this condition. The information will be divided into two sections. First, the examination will describe N eurocardiogenic Syncope, its presentation, anatomical and physiological causes, warning signs and techniques for diagnosis. It will also examine the decreased quality of both daily living and performance due to this condition. The last part of the first section will attempt to summarize numerous treatment options available to the athlete with N eurocardiogenic Syncope. The second section will present a case study of an intercollegiate athlete with this condition and its effect on the athlete's performance and overall well being. It is hoped that this examination can bring to light a new and challenging condition that is becoming more frequently recognized in the Athletic Training profession and to offer suggestions to make the problem more manageable. It is also my goal that the information in this paper can be used to improve the quality of health care that Athletic Trainers can provide for the athlete with Neurocardiogenic Syncope. 5~l/ TheSIS t..D ;;Jf2fl IZ ! d-,OOO .. 2:53 Acknowledgments I would like to thank my thesis advisor, Dr. Thomas Weidner, for all of his help and guidance. Not only was his help valuable to this thesis, but to the last three years of my collegiate and professional career. I would also like to thank the athlete who made the case study for this examination accessible and who opened my eyes to Neurocardiogenic Syncope. Lastly, I would like to dedicate this thesis to Dr. Mark Stovak. Without his help, this project would not have been successful.