Tiahna's story

Hi, my name is Tiahna.

I would describe myself as quite a relaxed but fun type of person. I definitely thrive in the right environment and around the right people.

The neurological condition that affects me is Vasovagal syncope, which affects the vagus nerve that connects to the heart.

Triggers for vasovagal are anxiety, heat, prolonged standing etc. If the vagus nerve is triggered, it means my heart blood pressure can increase in an instant or decrease and although I am not diabetic, it affects blood sugars too.

These are called Vaso episodes (small faints), where, in some cases, you can lose consciousness. However, I now mainly get pre syncope, which is all the symptoms of a vaso episode, but without the faint. Pre syncope episodes can leave you exhausted for days. I have also had 2 full vaso episodes, and these were very scary.

I first started feeling ill in March 2023. I was sick nearly every day, multiple times, which was really scary for both myself and my family. I saw a doctor in August 2023 and was prescribed medication; however, it was still unclear what was making me so ill. In October 2023, I suffered what I now know to be a vaso episode. It was one of the scariest things that has ever happened to me. Not knowing what was going on with my body was so frightening. I then suffered another episode in December 2023.

After this, I became fearful of going out and wouldn’t leave the house. I got so anxious that even something as simple as going to the shop filled me with fear, afraid I would have another vaso episode. Not understanding what was happening to my body was overwhelming. Eventually, I sought support and gradually managed to leave the house, rebuilding my confidence to do things again. I was later diagnosed with vasovagal syncope. Although it was still difficult to be listened to by a health professional, and I often felt worthless, I decided I had to learn how to cope on my own.

I began recognising the signs and feelings I would experience before an episode. I also got a device to monitor my blood pressure and blood sugar levels, which helps me track them in public, so I know exactly what’s happening if I start feeling unwell. I’ve since improved and now only experience pre-syncope episodes. Though still scary, I’ve learned how to manage them.

One thing I’ve learned through this experience, and with the help of people around me who understand and support me, is that you shouldn’t let your illness define what you can or cannot do. If I were to give advice to someone going through an experience like mine, I would say: it gets easier. You just have to try. If it goes wrong, it goes wrong, but at least you didn’t let it stop you.

With the Brain and Spine Foundation, it is nice to have something that supports people as I feel there isn’t many neurological foundations/charities out there. Thank you for everything you do.