Treatment of Fainting (Neurally Mediated Syncope)

Regular fainting spells, also called vasovagal or neurally mediated syncope, are caused by a sudden fall in blood pressure and slowing of the heart that temporarily impairs the blood supply to the brain.

Midodrine (Pro-Amatine®) is a drug that acts on the blood vessel walls, reducing their size, increasing blood pressure. Midodrine is very effective in treating chronic orthostatic hypotension.

This three-day clinical trial will determine whether Midodrine is also effective in preventing regular fainting spells. This study is supported in part by NIH and Roberts Pharmacuticals.

Literature on neurally mediated syncope

• Editorial: Why Do We Faint?
• Syncope: The Diagnostic Value of Head-Up Tilt Testing
• Neurally mediated syncope: Pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment
• Treatment of orthostatic hypotension due to autonomic failure with a peripheral alpha-adrenergic agonist (midodrine)

[GCO # 97-160]

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