What to Do If You Suddenly Collapse as Everything Goes Dark? | Vasovagal Syncope

Hello. This is Baekrokdam Korean Medicine Clinic.

1. Suddenly, my vision went dark and I collapsed

On the subway during the commute to work. The person in front staggered and collapsed straight onto the floor.

Some say it is fainting, some say low blood pressure, and others say it is due to stress.

However, for the person experiencing it, this single collapse is not simple.

Rather than the question ‘Why did that happen?’, the more frightening thing is the anxiety of ‘What if it happens again?’.

The name of this symptom is vasovagal syncope.

While it is not a great threat to life, it leaves a significant inconvenience in daily life.

2. Why the brakes suddenly activate

Ironically, the body choosing to faint is a defense mechanism to survive.

When you feel nervous or experience pain, the sympathetic nervous system increases.

The heart rate quickens, and blood pressure rises.

However, when this state reaches an extreme, the body autonomously steps on the brakes through the vagus nerve.

The heart rate drops sharply, blood vessels dilate, and eventually, blood flow to the brain decreases, leading to a loss of consciousness.

This is similar to a car coming to a sudden stop when the accelerator and brake are pressed at the same time.

3. Is it simple syncope, or autonomic dysfunction?

Syncope is, literally, an event of suddenly losing consciousness.

However, some people who experience similar symptoms—dizziness, palpitations, and cold sweats—repeatedly suffer from these without actually progressing to syncope.

In such cases, the term autonomic dysfunction is sometimes used.

The important point is that vasovagal syncope has a relatively clear trigger, whereas autonomic dysfunction is a continuous and chronic imbalance.

For example, a student who collapses in an exam hall is a case of vasovagal syncope, while a person who is always dizzy, tired, and sleepy after meals is closer to autonomic dysfunction.

4. The meaning of syncope in a patient's life

Even a single episode of syncope can be a huge shock to a patient.

This is because falling without realizing it creates a feeling of having lost control over one's body.

Furthermore, if this repeats, the anxiety of ‘When will I collapse again?’ is added.

They feel more anxious when standing than when lying down, or when they are out, and now the act of going out itself can be burdensome.

5. Western medical treatment – A strategy centered on control

Western medicine generally recommends behavioral therapy.

This includes being cautious about changes in posture, consuming sufficient fluids, and lying down to rest in advance if it feels like symptoms are coming.

In severe cases, drug therapy may be combined, but unless there is an underlying disease, most people hear the answer, “There is nothing significantly wrong.”

Ultimately, the patient reaches the conclusion that they must live while managing it themselves.

6. Syncope viewed from Korean Medicine – The perspective of Gwol-jeung (厥證)

In Korean Medicine, similar symptoms have long been called Gwol-jeung.

It means ‘energy rises backward and escapes.’ The typical appearance of Gwol-jeung—losing consciousness, cold limbs, and a weak pulse—closely resembles vasovagal syncope.

In particular, pathological states such as Gi-gwol, Sim-gi-heo-tal, and Sim-gi-yeok-dong fit well in explaining the rapid transition of the sympathetic-parasympathetic system.

7. Acupuncture and herbal medicine, centering on recovery

Rather than simply "blocking" this symptom, Korean Medicine focuses on reducing recurrence and restoring the body's balance.

For example, acupuncture treatment stabilizes the autonomic nervous system and aids circulation, focusing on the Pericardium meridian, Conception Vessel, and Governor Vessel acupoints.

Representative

Acupuncture points include Baekhoe, Naegwan, Joksamri, and Taechung.

Depending on the pattern identification such as Simgi-heo (heart-qi deficiency), Gi-hyeol-yang-heo (deficiency of both qi and blood), or Simbi-yang-heo (deficiency of both heart and spleen), herbal medicines such as Saengmaeksan, Bojungikgi-tang, and Gwibi-tang are utilized.

All these prescriptions are not meant to "force one awake," but rather to help one remain awake stably.

8. Coordinating Constitution and Life Rhythm Together

Syncope is a warning sent by the body.

It is also a sign that you are currently on the edge of a cliff.

In reality, a combination of lack of sleep, lack of hydration, accumulated stress, and an irregular lifestyle may have been acting together.

The meaning of Korean medicine treatment is not simply to prevent a single episode of syncope, but to trace back why a person was pushed to that boundary and design a recovery path suited to their constitution.

Syncope can be a frightening experience, but it is a warning light rather than a disease in itself.

What is important is how to interpret and respond to that warning without ignoring it.

If Korean medicine can help broaden the scope of that interpretation, it will have value beyond simple treatment.

#VasovagalSyncope