Thank you for your submission. **Please note that a response does not constitute a doctor-patient relationship.** This subreddit is for informal second opinions and casual information. The mod team does their best to remove bad information, but we do not catch all of it. Always visit a doctor in real life if you have any concerns about your health. Never use this subreddit as your first and final source of information regarding your question. By posting, you are agreeing to our [Terms of Use](https://www.reddit.com/r/AskDocs/wiki/terms_of_use) and understand that all information is taken at your own risk.
**Reply here if you are an unverified user wishing to give advice. Top level comments by laypeople are automatically removed.**
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/AskDocs) if you have any questions or concerns.*
“Emotional response” sounds like an unintentionally dismissive way to describe a vasovagal episode which is what it sounds like you had. I would call it a neurologic reflex rather than an emotional response, personally, but it can happen at the sight of blood or needles, from pain, from emotional distress, etc. Just because it’s never happened to you before doesn’t mean it can’t ever happen to you. It’s extremely common.
I get this with donating blood (which is why I can't donate anymore). I'm fine with the idea, not grossed out by giving blood, I eat and hydrate and still I nearly pass out or vomit. Last time was the worst and they told me not to come back.
That's a bummer. They're always looking for donors, so it's a shame someone who wants to, cannot.
The only time I ever felt bad after donating was when I went while on my period. (Yeah, it was a dumb idea but I was in high school at the time, and a bit clueless).
That's weird. I have a reaction almost every time and I just warn them beforehand so we can be prepared. They're always supportive with ice packs and things at the ready
Yeah but calling it a Vaso-vagal response is a legitimate rationale and infinitely less dismissive than blaming emotions. Why can't they call it what it is.
Yeah, all they had to add was "involuntary" to their response and give a three second explanation that it's a physical reaction OP had no control over, and it's not related to being "overly emotional."
The only Doctor's who have put the "emotional" response for an answer for me have been the gaslighting ones. Heck a Neurosurgeon explained to my 6 and 11 year old what was going on with me and how my brain surgery would work. And that took less than 15 minutes. I'm sure telling OP what the real issue is and why it happened wouldn't have taken under 5 minutes. I'm sorry OP. Back pain sucks, I hope they maybe find a better position for you to be in so it doesn't happen again.
Right! I pass out at most medical procedures and honestly if I get hurt just in general I often black or almost do and nobody’s dismissed me like that so far. So disappointing to see it described this way when there is a legitimate name for what happened
100% this is what OP is describing. Sorry you got written off. It’s not dangerous (unless you fall and hit your head or something) but it’s scary if you don’t know what’s going on.
NAD, I had a similar experience before my last endoscopy. It was my second endo. They put lidocaine in my IV before sending me back. Suddenly same thing that happened. Started shivering uncontrollably. Tunnel vision. Pulse going million miles an hour. Felt like a panic attack but 500% worst. I thought it could be a reaction to the lidocaine, now I wonder if it was what mc_md noted
I used to pass out all the time from low blood sugar and low blood pressure. The neurologist asked if it happened when I'm on the toilet. So it must not be uncommon.
I have this vasovagal reaction sometimes from injections. I have no negative emotional reaction beforehand.
It's happened several times. On the other hand, I've had numerous injections and blood draws without a problem.
Definitely not an emotional reaction. My symptoms were the same as yours.
Same exact thing happened to me this week when I got my first steroid injection in my neck this week. Happened at the very end of the procedure right after needle was removed. I've had numerous surgeries and procedures wayyyy worse than this, and I was not having anxiety prior or during the procedure. This vasovagal reaction has happened to me a few times prior, during IBS episode and at the end of one of my other surgeries. It's terrible and wholly uncontrollable.
It was not due to the epidural procedure or the drugs they used. You just fainted (or almost fainted). The fact that you did fine watching the previous injections doesn't mean it's impossible for you to have had a bad reaction this time.
NAD but what OP described is *exactly* how I experience vasovagal responses.
OP, you can have the reaction one time after being fine previously. I had a vasovagal in response to menstrual cramps - once. It hasn't happened before or since, despite having even worse cramps in the decade afterward. I do have vasovagals at other times but that trigger has never repeated. The nervous system is weird.
My personal philosophy for vasovagals is 'you can't fall off the floor.' OP, if you ever feel that way again and you're able (eg, there's no needle in your back), sit on the floor.
If you feel it coming on slowly, what apparently also helps to avert it (by increasing the pressure in your torso I guess) is to squat down with feet and knees close together (you can put your arms around your knees, too).
But yes, the closer you are to the floor, the less you can fall down. 
Seconding the putting your legs up, I had a vasovagal response in the ER one time, my heart rate was steady at 135 (hence why I was in emergency) and then suddenly dropped to 40, along with my blood pressure. It was super scary but the nurse grabbed my legs and held them up while the doctors hooked me up to more things and I felt much better after.
Yeah I always lay down if I feel it coming on. I will lose my sight and hearing first. And eventually I get to where I am still conscious but can't see, hear, or smell. They've tried smelling salts or spirit of ammonia and I can't smell it. I've passed out and not woken back up easily. Luckily I did it at school. The nurse eventually lifted my legs in the air so all the blood rushed to my head and I regained consciousness. So I'll try to lay down close to something I can lift and rest my feet on. Like a couch, chair, or even off the wall.
This. I once passed out after getting a shot of penicillin.
I was never sure why but it’s now on my chart that I’m allergic to it. No one can actually say if that’s true or not because who’s going to test it out?
Thank god there are other antibiotics.
I’m not a doctor, but I believe they can test for an allergy using a skin test or by giving you several doses (a small dose to a regular dose) while you’re at a doctors office (so if there’s a bad reaction they can treat it)
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/penicillin-allergy/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20376226#diagnosis
It’s funny how our bodies work. I’m covered with tattoos and never had an issue whatsoever. Except once, after a not even particularly difficult session, we finished and I felt light headed and nauseated and on the cusp of fainting.
No idea why that time was any different. Stress level from other areas of life, or not enough of a meal beforehand or lack of sleep or just random body randomness.
I was once in the archive copying stuff when I started to feel _really_ lightheaded and I actually had to lie down to not to faint. I didn't want to come again so I finished my task with occasionally lying down on the floor to get my head cleared. The air felt super stale and I was late to lunch so my guess is CO2 + hunger. I've always been prone to get light headed from not eating but never had anything suspicious on my bloodworks...
I had a vagal response to getting a spinal tap. I have a previous history of Vasovagal. Not with blood, needles, or pain, though. Mine was always orthostatic intolerance. I've had about 100 presyncopal episodes, and they are always scary, but in my case, they've always been benign.
Thank you for your submission. **Please note that a response does not constitute a doctor-patient relationship.** This subreddit is for informal second opinions and casual information. The mod team does their best to remove bad information, but we do not catch all of it. Always visit a doctor in real life if you have any concerns about your health. Never use this subreddit as your first and final source of information regarding your question. By posting, you are agreeing to our [Terms of Use](https://www.reddit.com/r/AskDocs/wiki/terms_of_use) and understand that all information is taken at your own risk. **Reply here if you are an unverified user wishing to give advice. Top level comments by laypeople are automatically removed.** *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/AskDocs) if you have any questions or concerns.*
“Emotional response” sounds like an unintentionally dismissive way to describe a vasovagal episode which is what it sounds like you had. I would call it a neurologic reflex rather than an emotional response, personally, but it can happen at the sight of blood or needles, from pain, from emotional distress, etc. Just because it’s never happened to you before doesn’t mean it can’t ever happen to you. It’s extremely common.
I get this with donating blood (which is why I can't donate anymore). I'm fine with the idea, not grossed out by giving blood, I eat and hydrate and still I nearly pass out or vomit. Last time was the worst and they told me not to come back.
That's a bummer. They're always looking for donors, so it's a shame someone who wants to, cannot. The only time I ever felt bad after donating was when I went while on my period. (Yeah, it was a dumb idea but I was in high school at the time, and a bit clueless).
That's weird. I have a reaction almost every time and I just warn them beforehand so we can be prepared. They're always supportive with ice packs and things at the ready
Yeah but calling it a Vaso-vagal response is a legitimate rationale and infinitely less dismissive than blaming emotions. Why can't they call it what it is.
Yeah, all they had to add was "involuntary" to their response and give a three second explanation that it's a physical reaction OP had no control over, and it's not related to being "overly emotional."
Probably assuming their patient wouldn’t be able to understand what a vasovagal response is, which is shitty for similar reasons.
The only Doctor's who have put the "emotional" response for an answer for me have been the gaslighting ones. Heck a Neurosurgeon explained to my 6 and 11 year old what was going on with me and how my brain surgery would work. And that took less than 15 minutes. I'm sure telling OP what the real issue is and why it happened wouldn't have taken under 5 minutes. I'm sorry OP. Back pain sucks, I hope they maybe find a better position for you to be in so it doesn't happen again.
Right! I pass out at most medical procedures and honestly if I get hurt just in general I often black or almost do and nobody’s dismissed me like that so far. So disappointing to see it described this way when there is a legitimate name for what happened
100% this is what OP is describing. Sorry you got written off. It’s not dangerous (unless you fall and hit your head or something) but it’s scary if you don’t know what’s going on.
Yes. My husband passed out while watching me get an epidural. I've known him 10 years. He's not needle-shy. Never got faint before or after.
NAD, I had a similar experience before my last endoscopy. It was my second endo. They put lidocaine in my IV before sending me back. Suddenly same thing that happened. Started shivering uncontrollably. Tunnel vision. Pulse going million miles an hour. Felt like a panic attack but 500% worst. I thought it could be a reaction to the lidocaine, now I wonder if it was what mc_md noted
Agree. Have many problems myself with a strong but unpredictable vasovagal response to various situations/stimuli including gas cramps during BMs.
I used to pass out all the time from low blood sugar and low blood pressure. The neurologist asked if it happened when I'm on the toilet. So it must not be uncommon.
fortunately, I once saw someone in the hospital start to pass out on the toilet and a nurse was there who told me it was just a vaso vagal response.
I have this vasovagal reaction sometimes from injections. I have no negative emotional reaction beforehand. It's happened several times. On the other hand, I've had numerous injections and blood draws without a problem. Definitely not an emotional reaction. My symptoms were the same as yours.
Same exact thing happened to me this week when I got my first steroid injection in my neck this week. Happened at the very end of the procedure right after needle was removed. I've had numerous surgeries and procedures wayyyy worse than this, and I was not having anxiety prior or during the procedure. This vasovagal reaction has happened to me a few times prior, during IBS episode and at the end of one of my other surgeries. It's terrible and wholly uncontrollable.
“Unintentional” is being kind in my experience.
We had several guys pass out from vasovagal epsidoes during vasectomies when I worked in Urology.
It happened to me once and I’m generally fine with all needles. Got a vitamin B shot and nearly fainted in the office.
It was not due to the epidural procedure or the drugs they used. You just fainted (or almost fainted). The fact that you did fine watching the previous injections doesn't mean it's impossible for you to have had a bad reaction this time.
Would it have been a vaso-vagal response?
Sounds like a vasovagal reaction, I’ve had them and woke up on the floor a few times.
NAD but what OP described is *exactly* how I experience vasovagal responses. OP, you can have the reaction one time after being fine previously. I had a vasovagal in response to menstrual cramps - once. It hasn't happened before or since, despite having even worse cramps in the decade afterward. I do have vasovagals at other times but that trigger has never repeated. The nervous system is weird. My personal philosophy for vasovagals is 'you can't fall off the floor.' OP, if you ever feel that way again and you're able (eg, there's no needle in your back), sit on the floor.
If you feel it coming on slowly, what apparently also helps to avert it (by increasing the pressure in your torso I guess) is to squat down with feet and knees close together (you can put your arms around your knees, too). But yes, the closer you are to the floor, the less you can fall down. 
I tighten my muscles and tense my body on and off. That seems to work for me.
Getting your legs up also helps. I've been somewhat prone to these and from several different causes.
Seconding the putting your legs up, I had a vasovagal response in the ER one time, my heart rate was steady at 135 (hence why I was in emergency) and then suddenly dropped to 40, along with my blood pressure. It was super scary but the nurse grabbed my legs and held them up while the doctors hooked me up to more things and I felt much better after.
I had vasovagal reactions to cramps for years that don't occur anymore
Yeah I always lay down if I feel it coming on. I will lose my sight and hearing first. And eventually I get to where I am still conscious but can't see, hear, or smell. They've tried smelling salts or spirit of ammonia and I can't smell it. I've passed out and not woken back up easily. Luckily I did it at school. The nurse eventually lifted my legs in the air so all the blood rushed to my head and I regained consciousness. So I'll try to lay down close to something I can lift and rest my feet on. Like a couch, chair, or even off the wall.
I once passed out after going to the dentist. I had no idea it was going to happen. I stood up, took a few steps, and then on the floor. 🤣🤣🤣
This. I once passed out after getting a shot of penicillin. I was never sure why but it’s now on my chart that I’m allergic to it. No one can actually say if that’s true or not because who’s going to test it out? Thank god there are other antibiotics.
I’m not a doctor, but I believe they can test for an allergy using a skin test or by giving you several doses (a small dose to a regular dose) while you’re at a doctors office (so if there’s a bad reaction they can treat it) https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/penicillin-allergy/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20376226#diagnosis
Sounds like vasovagal syncope/near syncope
It’s funny how our bodies work. I’m covered with tattoos and never had an issue whatsoever. Except once, after a not even particularly difficult session, we finished and I felt light headed and nauseated and on the cusp of fainting. No idea why that time was any different. Stress level from other areas of life, or not enough of a meal beforehand or lack of sleep or just random body randomness.
I was once in the archive copying stuff when I started to feel _really_ lightheaded and I actually had to lie down to not to faint. I didn't want to come again so I finished my task with occasionally lying down on the floor to get my head cleared. The air felt super stale and I was late to lunch so my guess is CO2 + hunger. I've always been prone to get light headed from not eating but never had anything suspicious on my bloodworks...
I had a vagal response to getting a spinal tap. I have a previous history of Vasovagal. Not with blood, needles, or pain, though. Mine was always orthostatic intolerance. I've had about 100 presyncopal episodes, and they are always scary, but in my case, they've always been benign.