Neurocardiogenic Syncope and Its Treatment

Define the term dysautonomia and briefly describe the condition known as neurocardiogenic syncope (NCS).

Define the following terms as they relate to cardiodynamics: stroke volume, end-systolic volume, and end-diastolic volume. Define the following terms and state how each relates to systemic arterial blood pressure: cardiac output and total peripheral resistance. Explain the following:

• the Frank-Starling law of the heart;
• the control of cardiac activity by the autonomic nervous system;
• the baroreceptor reflex in the maintenance of systemic blood pressure.

What are the symptoms of NCS? What is the mechanism by which NCS occurs? Discuss how NCS is diagnosed and treated.