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What Causes Sudden Loss Of Consciousness With Normal Blood Sugar Levels?
Question: Hi, hoping that someone can point us in the right direction!!! My partner has collapsed 3 time now over the past 3 months. the first time he was at work with people around him & was rushed to hospital. His blood pressure dropped so far they couldn't get a radial pulse & as you'd expect his heartrate was through the roof. He was unconscious for about half an hour, although he does remember coming round briefly a few time. There was no sign of a seizure. The hospital did an ECG & full bloodtest etc but couldn't find anything amiss apart from slightly raised white cell count & blood sugar, so released him. It happened again about a month later & again about a month after that - last Tuesday. Each time being out for about half an hour. The only commonality is that it happens about an hour after he's had breakfast, start to generally feel unwell, has an uncomfortable feeling in his stomach & feels like he needs to go to the toilet, which the last time he did before he collapsed. The last time he called me home from work (once he'd come round), he was in shock, pale & cold for a short while but apart from feeling tired he was fine. This time I dragged him off to the doctors, who are sending him to a cardiologist & neurologist. But we can't help feeling that it's something to do with his digestive system. The doctor we saw dismissed it being an allergic reaction, to the cereal (sorry forgot to mention that earlier), as the ones he had on those days contained oats, raisins & almonds. He has tried each of those since & they do give him the uncomfortable feeling in his stomach, plus feeling a little rough, but no dramatic effects like before. Is there anything that could be causing this? Hoping you can help, XXXXX
Brief Answer:
Please, find the detailed explanation below
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
In syncope and parasyncope usually it is very difficult to find out the cause, so you should be patient. I try to help you, as it is possible with the given information and without seeing the patient.
I went through your description and I will try to list possible causes;
1. it may be caused by the fluctuation of blood glucose, he can monitor his blood glucose for some period
2. the most probable cause is vasovagal syncope - in this case there is fall in blood pressure due to a reflex, provocative factors can be eating, going toilet, bowel movement, etc. Actually there is a tendency of decrease in blood pressure after eating, (especially when you eat a big portion after fasting for a long time), bowel movement and after going to toilet, in some people, who have sensitive autonomic nervous system, these reflexes are stronger, and they can have significant drops in blood pressure.
To your partner I would advise to avoid meals which give him uncomfortable feeling in his stomach and bowel movement, eat frequently with small portions. When he feels like he is going to faint try to lie down if there is a place, or stretch muscles of legs and arms.
Also it is beneficial to use more liquids, but remember no liquids with meal, no cold liquids, no soda, and he should drink with small amounts.
If he has problems with digestion I would advise him to see a gastroenterologist, as digestive problems can be provocative factors.
3. less probable but also possible cause is panic attack
Hope I could help you
If you have further questions don't hesitate to ask
Regards,
Please, find the detailed explanation below
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
In syncope and parasyncope usually it is very difficult to find out the cause, so you should be patient. I try to help you, as it is possible with the given information and without seeing the patient.
I went through your description and I will try to list possible causes;
1. it may be caused by the fluctuation of blood glucose, he can monitor his blood glucose for some period
2. the most probable cause is vasovagal syncope - in this case there is fall in blood pressure due to a reflex, provocative factors can be eating, going toilet, bowel movement, etc. Actually there is a tendency of decrease in blood pressure after eating, (especially when you eat a big portion after fasting for a long time), bowel movement and after going to toilet, in some people, who have sensitive autonomic nervous system, these reflexes are stronger, and they can have significant drops in blood pressure.
To your partner I would advise to avoid meals which give him uncomfortable feeling in his stomach and bowel movement, eat frequently with small portions. When he feels like he is going to faint try to lie down if there is a place, or stretch muscles of legs and arms.
Also it is beneficial to use more liquids, but remember no liquids with meal, no cold liquids, no soda, and he should drink with small amounts.
If he has problems with digestion I would advise him to see a gastroenterologist, as digestive problems can be provocative factors.
3. less probable but also possible cause is panic attack
Hope I could help you
If you have further questions don't hesitate to ask
Regards,
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Hi, thanks for your rapid response. Can this condition appear as infrequently as I described? He didn't eat anymore those mornings than any other, can the condition be that random? I've had a quick look at vasovagal syncope & all the descriptions seem indicate a rapid recovery, none of his were. One detail I forgot - all 3 times, he had been out walking & then felt unwell, he was either with someone (the first time) or had enough time to get home or to a building at work. Although a relatively big man 6'2" & 16st, he is generally fit & healthy - out walking his dog (he's a police dog handler) & at the gym for a bit of cardiovascular exercise & has never had a problem.
I think the panic attack option can be ruled out and as his diet is varied, ie a reasonable mixture of healthy & not so healthy foods, unless there's something specific about, the type of cereal he had before the attacks (Alpen & Just Right), then I believe that his sugar levels will be ok, thanks again, XXXXXX
I think the panic attack option can be ruled out and as his diet is varied, ie a reasonable mixture of healthy & not so healthy foods, unless there's something specific about, the type of cereal he had before the attacks (Alpen & Just Right), then I believe that his sugar levels will be ok, thanks again, XXXXXX
Brief Answer:
More likely neurological or vasovagal syncope, need full workup anyway
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Given causes were more possible once, but of course there is a need for full work-up.
Syncope lasting more that a few minutes more likely to have a neurological or psychiatric cause, in this case vasovagal syncope is likely as well, although usually it lasts less.
I would advise your partner to follow mentioned lifestyle changes, monitor blood glucose levels, blood pressure levels.
Also I would advise him also check blood electrolytes, and thyroid tests.
If cardiology and neurological examinations are normal, I would advise him to see a gastroenterologist.
Hope I could help you
Regards,
More likely neurological or vasovagal syncope, need full workup anyway
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Given causes were more possible once, but of course there is a need for full work-up.
Syncope lasting more that a few minutes more likely to have a neurological or psychiatric cause, in this case vasovagal syncope is likely as well, although usually it lasts less.
I would advise your partner to follow mentioned lifestyle changes, monitor blood glucose levels, blood pressure levels.
Also I would advise him also check blood electrolytes, and thyroid tests.
If cardiology and neurological examinations are normal, I would advise him to see a gastroenterologist.
Hope I could help you
Regards,
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
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