Ask a Scientist: I don’t have a fear of needles, but I do get lightheaded and woozy when I get a needle procedure like a vaccine or blood test. What’s going on?

Transcript

Q3: I don’t have a fear of needles, but I do get lightheaded and woozy when I get a needle procedure like a vaccine or blood test. What’s going on?

What you are describing here has to do with a sudden drop in blood pressure.

That sudden drop is called a vasovagal response, which is usually associated with fainting. And when fainting is linked to a specific trigger, like needles or the sight of blood, for example, it’s called vasovagal syncope.

But you might not fully lose consciousness in this situation – you might get really dizzy and nauseous and sweaty.

You made an important point about how that response relates to fear.

For people like you who do not have a needle fear, let’s focus on what’s happening physically.

Lying down is a good option, but we have more!

Let’s talk about counteracting that drop in blood pressure.

This is where a muscle tension technique can come in handy.

What you want to do is clench your stomach and leg muscles, and squeeeeeeeeeze for about 15 seconds. Then release the tension (but don’t fully relax) for about 20 seconds. And repeat!

You can start this tension/release cycle right before the procedure, and you can continue to use it until the needle is over or until any feeling of faintness passes.

And by the way, this technique is great for adults – but it is also safe for kids as young as 7 years old to try.

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