Other / 02/03/2021

Why would a massage of the carotid sinus help?

Carotid sinus massage (CSM) is performed to terminate some supraventricular tachycardias (SVTs), such as AV node reentry and AV reentry SVTs. It may also be useful for sinoatrial (SA) reentrant SVT. CSM can be helpful to diagnose the atrial rhythm during a tachycardia by producing AV block.

What happens when you massage carotid sinus?

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.

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.

Is carotid massage still used?

Carotid sinus massage for diagnosis and termination of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is still a widely used vagal manoeuvre in the A&E department.

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 are the benefits of a carotid sinus massage?

Normal results. Carotid sinus massage will slow the heart rate during episodes of atrial flutter, fibrillation, and some tachycardias. It has been known to stop the arrhythmia completely. If the procedure is being done to help diagnose angina pectoris, massaging the carotid sinus may make the discomfort go away.

How long does it take to do a carotid massage?

Massage the patient’s left carotid sinus. After performing the carotid massage on the right side of a patient’s neck, repeat the massage on the patient’s left carotid sinus. Massage in a circular motion for 5–10 seconds. Direct the patient to lay still for 10 minutes.

Are there any contraindications to carotid sinus massage?

Contraindications to CSM were the presence of a carotid bruit, a known carotid stenosis >50%, a history of myocardial infarction or stroke within the preceding 3 months or a history of ventricular arrhythmias or symptomatic bradyarrhythmias [ 3 ]. All patients gave informed consent prior to CSM.

How old do you have to be for a carotid sinus massage?

The carotid sinus massage (CSM) should be performed in patients aged > 40 years and with TLOC of unknown origin ( Task Force for the Diagnosis and Management of Syncope of the European Society of Cardiology, 2009 ).

What does it mean to have a carotid artery massage?

The Carotid Artery Massage is one of a number of medical procedures called “Vagal maneuvers.” Vagal maneuvers stimulate the vagus nerve (located along the side of the head) and prompt it to release chemicals which slow a patient’s heart rate). Painful carotid sinus is a common condition which is…

Are there any contraindications to a carotid sinus 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.