[How I treat vasovagal syncope in children]

Vasovagal syncope (VVS) is the most common cause of neurally mediated syncope in children. Recurrent syncope severely affects physical and mental health and may lead to unintentional injury. Based on international and domestic guidelines and clinical practice experience, standardized recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric VVS are proposed. Management of VVS should be individualized, and non-pharmacological interventions, including lifestyle modifications, are the cornerstone for both classic and malignant VVS. Pharmacological therapy is recommended for children with VVS who have recurrent syncopal episodes, are at risk of trauma, or respond poorly to non-pharmacological interventions. For children in whom the head-up tilt test induces asystole, pacemaker implantation is not recommended as first-line therapy. In malignant VVS with recurrent syncope despite conventional treatment, pacemaker implantation may be considered after specialist evaluation. Data on cardioneuroablation in children are limited, and long-term follow-up is required.