Syncope diagnosis

[Syncopesister]

I have always been prone to light headed ness and fainting but not that regularly until the last 18 months. I had brain surgery 12 months ago to remove benign tumour and now the symptoms are daily and I have been advised that brain surgery can exaggerate the condition. Initially I was told my first episode following surgery was a seizure but now no one is 100% sure so I have lost my driving licence for at least 12 months and hoping I can get it back if my consultants are satisfied it could be Syncope and not seizures. Been prescribed Midodrine and sodium tablets and advised to drink plenty water, suppose only time will tell. Also deinitely worse when in hot environment gym/holiday.

[Brdlyjan1]

Hi Syncopsister, sorry to hear you’ve been having such a tough time. The advice you have been given is typical for the symptoms you describe. I suffer with POTS (postural tachycardia syndrome) and have been taking midodrine since 2014. The midodrine constricts your blood vessels to help increase your blood pressure. That alone does not work for me, I also take ivabradine to help slow down my heart rate. Has POTS been mentioned to you as a possible cause of your symptoms, have they tested you for this? Take good care of yourself.

[Syncopesister in reply to Brdlyjan1]

Hi no no mention of pots but had heart monitor on so presumed pots gives increased heart rate and all was ok, but to be honest I felt ok whilst monitoring, seems to come and go. Also mentioned tilt table test but then didn’t mention again.