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Swallow Syncope

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Principles of Deglutition

Abstract

Swallow or deglutition syncope is a rare condition characterized by loss of consciousness that is preceded by or associated with swallowing. Dysphagia or underlying esophageal disease may not be present in all patients. The majority of patients experience brady-arrhythmias with the event. The diagnosis is suspected from the temporal relation between swallowing and the syncopal event, and confirmed by documenting concomitant swallow-induced symptoms with cardiac arrhythmias. Effort should be made to correct any underlying esophageal disease. Recurrent syncopal symptoms can be effectively prevented by placement of a cardiac pacemaker. The prognosis of deglutition syncope is generally benign although occurrence of symptoms during certain activities may subject patients to significant physical injuries.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatololgy, Froedtret Hospital, Medical College of Wisconsin, 9200 W. Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA

    Samer Gawrieh MD

Authors
  1. Samer Gawrieh MD
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Correspondence to Samer Gawrieh MD .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Div. Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Medical College of Wisconsin, West Wisconsin Avenue 9200, Milwaukee, 53226, Wisconsin, USA

    Reza Shaker

  2. , Dpt Otolaryngology/Head & Neck Surg., UC Davis Medical Center, Stockton Blvd. 2521, Sacramento, 95817, California, USA

    Peter C. Belafsky

  3. Ctr for Voice, Airway & Swallowing Disor, Department of Otolaryngology, Georgia Health Sciences University, 15th Street 1120, Augusta, 30912, Georgia, USA

    Gregory N. Postma

  4. , Dpt of Communication Sciences & Disorder, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, East Hartford Ave 2400, Milwaukee, 53201, Wisconsin, USA

    Caryn Easterling

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Gawrieh, S. (2013). Swallow Syncope. In: Shaker, R., Belafsky, P., Postma, G., Easterling, C. (eds) Principles of Deglutition. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-3794-9_31

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-3794-9_31

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4614-3793-2

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4614-3794-9

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