Asystole in a syncope by hair grooming in children: Case report and literature review

J Electrocardiol. 2020 Mar-Apr:59:7-9. doi: 10.1016/j.jelectrocard.2019.12.016. Epub 2020 Jan 3.

Abstract

We report the first case of syncope with a documented asystole in a child triggered by hair grooming. No pathological findings were found, and a 15 s asystole event was recorded in an ambulatory 24 h electrocardiogram while her mother was combing her hair. Syncope by hair grooming is an infrequent type, reported in 162 patients. It is more prevalent in females (84.6% vs. 15.4%) with a mean age in the range of 8.9-12.3 years. The diagnostic is based on clinical history and the most frequent complementary examination is the electrocardiogram. No significant arrythmias or epileptic events have been reported.

Keywords: Asystole; Children; Hair grooming; Trigeminocardiac reflex; Vasovagal syncope.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Electrocardiography
  • Epilepsy*
  • Female
  • Heart Arrest* / diagnosis
  • Humans
  • Hygiene
  • Male
  • Syncope / diagnosis
  • Syncope / etiology
  • Syncope, Vasovagal*