Eight had transient neurological complications possibly attributable to carotid sinus massage: visual disturbance, ‘pins and needles’ and sensation of finger numbness in two cases each, leg weakness in one and sensation of ‘being drunk’ in one.
Which complication is associated with carotid sinus massage therapy?
Complications. Minor complications of carotid sinus massage include local discomfort or pain. Light-headedness or syncope may also occur. Serious complications, such as stroke or transient ischemic attack, are rare and have been estimated to occur at a rate of less than 0.5%.
What happens when you massage the carotid sinus?
A normal response to carotid sinus massage is a transient decrease in the sinus rate and a slowing of atrioventricular nodal conduction. Carotid sinus massage may also induce a decrease in the amplitude of the P wave.
Is carotid sinus massage safe?
Complications. Carotid sinus massage is safe if done carefully. CSM is contraindicated in patients with a history of cerebrovascular disease or carotid bruits, because it can cause cerebrovascular accident (CVA, stroke).
When should you not do carotid massage?
Absolute contraindications to carotid sinus massage include myocardial infarction, transient ischemic attack or stroke within the preceding three months. A history of ventricular fibrillation or tachycardia, or a previous adverse reaction to carotid sinus massage are also absolute contraindications.
Why is it important not to massage the carotid artery?
Massage of the carotid sinus is contraindicated in patients with diseased carotid arteries because of the risk of cerebrovascular accident. In rare instances, carotid sinus massage may initiate ventricular tachycardia.
Does carotid massage increase blood pressure?
Mechanical stimulation of the carotid body by massage normally causes only a small fall in heart rate and in blood pressure.
What happens if you massage your carotid artery?
In some people the carotid sinus becomes over-sensitive which can cause the blood pressure to drop or the heart rate to slow when it is massaged. This can result in dizziness, falls or faints.
Is carotid massage a vagal maneuver?
In addition to these, your doctor may sometimes try another vagal maneuver (called carotid sinus massage) in the emergency room to help slow your heart rate. This technique should only be performed by a doctor.
How can the carotid sinus cause sudden death?
Carotid sinus reflex death is a potential etiology of sudden death in which manual stimulation of the carotid sinus allegedly causes strong glossopharyngeal nerve (Vagus nerve is for aortic arch baroreceptors) impulses leading to terminal cardiac arrest.
What causes carotid sinus syncope?
In CSH, mechanical deformation of the carotid sinus (located at the bifurcation of the common carotid artery) leads to an exaggerated response with bradycardia or vasodilatation, resulting in hypotension, presyncope, or syncope.
Is tachycardia a heart disease?
Tachycardia is an increased heart rate for any reason. It can be a usual rise in heart rate caused by exercise or a stress response (sinus tachycardia). Sinus tachycardia is considered a symptom, not a disease. Tachycardia can also be caused by an irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia).
What should I do before carotid massage?
Before starting the procedure, auscultate the carotid artery to rule out any ipsilateral carotid bruit. Gently place the bell of the stetho- scope over the carotid artery and ask the patient to stop breathing while you auscultate the artery.
What is often caused by carotid massage?
Carotid sinus hypersensitivity is an exaggerated response to pressure applied to the carotid sinus located in the carotid bifurcation, resulting in bradycardia, vasodilation, and hypotension. This response is manifested clinically as syncope or presyncope and can cause fatal consequences.
What is Valsalva movement?
The Valsalva maneuver is a breathing method that may slow your heart when it’s beating too fast. To do it, you breathe out strongly through your mouth while holding your nose tightly closed. This creates a forceful strain that can trigger your heart to react and go back into normal rhythm.