Neurocardiogenic Syncope, also known as vasovagal syncope or the “common faint” often affects a great number of people throughout the course of their life and is for the most part considered a harmless “episode”.
Perhaps you got up too fast and felt dizzy, or stood too long in the hot sun and began to feel faint. Or maybe the sight of blood caused you to feel ill, leading to tunnel vision, temporary hearing and many times, passing out right in front of the phlebotomist.
This “reflex” response or hypersensitivity of the vagus nerve can be triggered by a number of stimuli (sight of blood, change in posture, strong emotion, anxiety, fear, defecation, etc.) and often results in a “miscommunication” between the brain and the heart regarding how much blood to pump throughout the body.
In the case of a vasovagal attack, blood pressure, and many times heart rate, will actually drop in the presence of such stimuli, causing blood to pool to the legs and away from the heart and the brain. This forces the fainting “reflex” so the body can resume a “laying down” position where blood can once again flow back into these vital organs.
Most people can avert a vasovagal attack simply by laying down and elevating their feet or putting their head between their knees to help blood return back to the brain as quickly as possible. Adding salt to one’s diet can also be helpful to raise blood pressure in the presence of triggers. There are also medications that can be prescribed by a cardiologist or electrophysiologist to help control a vasovagal response. Pacemakers are a controversial last-line of defense for those who are debilitated by the condition.
In the case that this condition becomes becomes chronic and impairs one’s ability to function normally in the workplace, it may entitle that person to Social Security Disability benefits in New York. There are some people with neurocardiogenic syncope who receive no warning prior to a fainting spell. For those in occupations that require driving, this can be problematic as motor vehicle will likely revoke your driver’s license, similar to someone who suffers from epileptic seizures.
There are others who suffer with fainting spells daily, or periodically throughout the week, resulting in hospital visits, an inability to function on the job and the threat of becoming a danger to themselves or others while in the workplace.
When neurocardiogenic syncope affects you to the point that you can no longer work safely and efficiently, disability benefits may be available through the Social Security Administration to help you permanently or until you are able to get the condition under control using some of the various methods mentioned above.
Our New York Social Security Disability attorneys can help guide you in the right direction to get you the benefits you need and deserve following a positive diagnosis of neurocardiogenic syncope or any other form of autonomic dysfunction. To speak with one of our experienced social security disability attorneys in White Plains, New York City or the greater metropolitan area for a complimentary consultation, please call 866-205-2415 for assistance.
