Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 10, 2026

Tilt Testing with Combined Lower Body Negative Pressure: a "Gold Standard" for Measuring Orthostatic Tolerance
Published on: March 21, 2013
Oesophageal syncope
1Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA.
Abstract:
Oesophageal syncope is loss of consciousness on swallowing, which is thought to be associated with an abnormal vagovagal reflex that leads to transient bradycardia. Patients with this potentially lethal condition may present to neurologists, cardiologists or gastroenterologists. It may be associated with cardio-active drug therapy, previous myocardial infarction, or with an organic lesion of the lower oesophagus. Barium and manometric studies, in association with ECG monitoring, should, therefore, be carried out in all cases. In many patients, however, it appears to be a functional abnormality for which no cause can be determined. In the absence of a condition necessitating surgical correction, medical therapy in the form of anticholinergic or sympathomimetic agents is occasionally helpful. Total denervation of the affected portion of the oesophagus has successfully prevented further symptoms, but insertion of a programmed cardiac pacemaker is currently the definitive treatment of choice.
Related Concept Videos
Esophagus
The movement of edibles from the pharynx into the esophagus is facilitated by the upper esophageal sphincter, which is formed primarily by the...
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease I: Meaning and Pathophysiology
Esophageal Perforation-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
Clinical Manifestations:
Barrett Esophagus-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
To diagnose Barrett's esophagus, healthcare providers often recommend an endoscopy for those showing symptoms of acid reflux. The procedure entails...
Esophageal Varices-I: Introduction
Esophageal Achalasia

