For as long as I can remember, I see stars and start to feel myself get close to passing out(although I never have)when I have a single hic-up. Not full blown hickups, maybe kind of a burp without burping. Normaly I just drop to one knee if I’m standing, or just close my eyes if I’m sitting. I’ve always assumed it was normal, but my co-workers saw me drop to a knee and unanomisly said it was NOT normal. Is it normal, or is my heart skipping a beat or two? What should I do, if anything?

Dr. Joshua’s Answer:

This could be due to the “Valsalva” effect, similar to that produced by straining, e.g. to defecate, which decreases the return of blood to the heart momentarily. If you are wearing a tight collar while doing this, it could be due to pressure on the carotid arteries (carotid sinus). Other possible causes include heart arrhythmia, and such “drop attacks” are sometimes seen with cervical spine stenosis, especially in the upper neck - skull base level, causing the spinal cord to be compressed during forward movement of the head.

This symptom could be potentially dangerous, e.g. if it happens when you’re driving, or climbing a ladder, etc. I recommend you visit the doctor and have this evaluated.

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Tags: Back Pain

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