Micturition syncope

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Micturition syncope or post-micturition syncope is the name given to the human phenomenon of fainting shortly after or during urination. The underlying cause is not fully understood, but it may be a result of vasovagal response, postural hypotension, or a combination thereof.

Contents

People often become pale, lightheaded, nauseated, sweaty and weak before they lose consciousness. Sometimes defecating, coughing, or severe vomiting may cause fainting in a similar way.

Causes

When one strains to increase the flow of urine, it stimulates the vagus nerve (usually more pronounced in elderly men with large prostates). The vagus nerve stimulus causes slowing down of the heart (bradycardia) and a drop in blood pressure. The heart cannot perform effectively as a pump because insufficient blood comes to it. It can be associated with a very rare tumour known as a paraprostatic pheochromocytoma within the urinary bladder. [1]

Treatment

There is no specific treatment for micturition syncope. General advice to men with micturition syncope includes: [2]

Epidemiology

Responsible for 2.4 to 8.4 percent[ citation needed ] of all cases of fainting in adults, it most commonly occurs in males. The events often occur at night or after awaking.

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Syncope (medicine) Transient loss of consciousness and postural tone

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Blood-injection-injury (BII) type phobia is a type of specific phobia characterized by the display of excessive, irrational fear in response to the sight of blood, injury, or injection, or in anticipation of an injection, injury, or exposure to blood. Blood-like stimuli may also cause a reaction. This is a common phobia with an estimated 3-4% prevalence in the general population, though it has been found to occur more often in younger and less educated groups. Prevalence of fear of needles which does not meet the BII phobia criteria is higher. A proper name for BII has yet to be created.

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Hair-grooming syncope is a form of syncope associated with combing and brushing one's hair. It is most typically seen in children aged five to sixteen.

References

  1. Padevit C.; John H.; Gunz A.; Wiesli P.; Hauri D.; Schmid C. (2005). "Micturition Syncope due to Paraprostatic Pheochromocytoma". Urol Int. 74 (3): 276–277. doi:10.1159/000083563. PMID   15812218.
  2. "Fainting during urination (micturition syncope): What causes it? - Mayo Clinic".