Why do some people feel sick when they see needles, like Gabriela Prioli?

Do you often pass out when you have to have an injection or in another situation that causes stress? This reaction has a name and medical justification, in addition to being able to reach different people. Among them is Gabriela Prioli.

Thiago Mansur, the lawyer’s partner, used his account on Instagram to report that Gabriela suffers from vasovagal syndrometriggered by fear of needles.

The report came after the birth of the couple’s daughter, Ava Prioli, on December 22. With the post, Thiago expressed his admiration for his partner, as well as the moments of distress caused at the time of anesthesia.

“Gabi has vasovagal syndrome and always faints with a needle. She took the pre-anesthesia with all her concentration so as not to become destabilized and emotionally harm the baby; I nearly broke down seeing the agony and discomfort she felt with the needle (which was a size I had never seen before!),” she wrote.

What is Vasovagal Syndrome?

Vasovagal syndrome (SVV) is the body’s exaggerated reflex in stressful situations, which causes fainting and low blood pressure. In Gabriela’s case, the problem is usually manifested by her fear of needles, but the syndrome can be triggered by different reasons. Bruno Valdigem, cardiologist, explained in an article written for MinhaVida some of the main symptoms of vasovagal syndrome:

• Low cerebral flow;

• Dizziness;

• Sweat;

• Blurred vision;

• Hypotension;

• Fainting (syncope) or near fainting (pre-syncope or lipothymia).

Different from the pressure drop, which can happen for different reasons and to anyone, those who deal with VVS face these symptoms in everyday situationssuch as: after meals, when encountering blood, standing in line or cooking.

Learn more: Seven Quick Ways to Make Dizziness Go Away

Is there a cure?

Vasovagal syndrome has no cure or specific drug treatment. When the condition is identified, which is often the case with a medical history and clinical examination, it is possible to prevent fainting by taking certain precautions.

“THE main treatment is to greatly increase fluid intake, avoid dehydrating drugs (such as alcohol or diuretics), do leg exercises (to strengthen the muscles and avoid pooling blood there) and recognize the symptoms that usually happen before fainting”, explained Bruno in an article.

When one of the triggers for the syndrome is already known, such as fear of needles, practicing breathing exercises and focusing on other details while taking an injection, for example, is a way to avoid loss of consciousness.