Hair grooming syncope

INTRODUCTION: Syncope is a frequent topic in pediatric emergency rooms. Most of them are vasovagal syncopes. Some specific forms have been admitted, according to their etiopathogenic and clinical characteristics. Hair-grooming syncope is a rare variety which is not yet fully recognized. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The records of children referred to our Pediatric Cardiology clinic from 1993 to 1996 because of fainting were evaluated. Patients with clinical data in possible relation with hair-grooming syncope were elected for the present study. Physical, cardiological and neurological examinations were recorded as well as basic complementary examinations. Head-upright tilt test was performed in all cases. RESULTS: Four girls, with a mean age of 9.5 years, presented sudden and brief loss of consciousness and postural tone in temporal relationship with several hair care acts. No body or neck position was associated with faint. Three patients had previously suffered other syncopal episodes without relation with hair care. Head-upright tilt test was positive in three cases and inconclusive in a girl with clear antecedents of clinically vasovagal syncope. CONCLUSION: Hair-grooming syncope is a rare and benign variety of neurocardiogenic syncope that should be considered in girls that complain of loss of consciousness during different hair care acts, even if seizures are present.