Tilt training: a new treatment for recurrent neurocardiogenic syncope and severe orthostatic intolerance

Pacing Clin Electrophysiol. 1998 Jan;21(1 Pt 2):193-6. doi: 10.1111/j.1540-8159.1998.tb01087.x.

Abstract

Medical treatment of neurocardiogenic syncope is insufficient in many cases. We have observed a therapeutic effect of repeated head-up tilt testing. Therefore, we have started a program of tilt training for heavily symptomatic patients. After hospital admission, they were tilted daily (60 degrees inclination) until syncope, or until a duration of 45-90 minutes (90 sessions in 13 patients). The mean tilt tolerance, at the first diagnostic head-up tilt table test, was 22.3 minutes (st. dev. 10.9). Before hospital discharge, 12/13 patients could sustain the full duration of tilt table testing without any symptom. In one patient syncope persisted. The patients were instructed to continue a program of daily tilt training at home, by standing against a wall for 30 minutes, one or two times per day. This resulted in a complete disappearance of syncope in all 13 patients. Orthostatic intolerance and the excessive autonomic reflex activity of neurocardiogenic syncope can be remedied by a program of continued tilt training, without the administration of drugs.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Hypotension, Orthostatic / rehabilitation*
  • Male
  • Posture / physiology
  • Recurrence
  • Syncope, Vasovagal / diagnosis
  • Syncope, Vasovagal / rehabilitation*
  • Tilt-Table Test*
  • Time Factors