Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 17, 2026
05:45
Experimental Approach to Examine Leptin Signaling in the Carotid Bodies and its Effects on Control of Breathing
Published on: October 25, 2019
Excessive vomiting abolished by carotid denervation
R J Toorop1, M R M Scheltinga, M C Huige
1Department of Surgery, Máxima Medical Center (MMC), Veldhoven, The Netherlands. r.toorop@mmc.nl
Autonomic Neuroscience : Basic & Clinical
|February 13, 2007
Summary
Carotid sinus syndrome (CSS) can cause fainting. This study details a rare case where neck pressure triggered severe gagging and vomiting, symptoms resolved by surgery.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Neurology
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Carotid sinus syndrome (CSS) involves syncope from exaggerated carotid sinus reflexes.
- It is typically triggered by neck pressure or stretching, causing bradycardia or hypotension.
Observation:
- A patient presented with excessive gagging and vomiting upon right-sided neck pressure.
- This aberrant presentation mimicked gastrointestinal distress but was linked to the carotid sinus.
Findings:
- The patient's symptoms were an unusual manifestation of a hypersensitive carotid sinus.
- Surgical carotid denervation effectively abolished the gagging and vomiting episodes.
Implications:
- This case expands the known clinical spectrum of carotid sinus syndrome.
- Highlights the importance of considering CSS in patients with unexplained gagging/vomiting triggered by neck stimuli.
- Suggests surgical intervention as a viable treatment for aberrant CSS presentations.
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