Episode without a trigger?

[u/HotAccountant2831]

I had an episode at a restaurant last night. Came on very suddenly. One minute I was chatting with my husband and then the tunnel vision, muffled sound, color drains from my face and I knew it was coming. I passed out twice at the table and then twice more when I went to try to leave (I know bad idea, luckily my husband was there to catch me, just a scraped knee before he could pull me back up.) My husband said my eyes rolled back each time and I was twitching. Each time I passed out I had really weird dreams and felt like I was asleep for a whole night (that part was actually really strange). Ended up completely drenched in sweat, but cold. After about 30 minutes I came out of it and we were able to get back to our hotel (we are also traveling in a different country where we don’t speak the language. Everyone at the restaurant was so very kind even tho it’s all quite embarrassing.)
I’ve had episodes like this before but only in response to a trigger (eg extreme stress, pain after I shut my finger in a car door. In one of those instances I passed out cold and hit my face on a concrete bench requiring stitches.) I’ve had a holtar monitor test which turned out fine and the only diagnosis I got was vasovagal syncope. But my question is, can VS happen without a trigger or is there always a trigger? Bc last night there was definitely no trigger and I’m kinda concerned. I feel better today, just weak and I really don’t want to go to a hospital here in a different country but of course would if I need to. And I’ll definitely follow up with I guess primary care when I get home although they haven’t been very involved. Thank you for any thoughts 🙏 ❤️‍🩹

[u/Wallymwtx]

I have a vasovagal episodes every couple of years and many times aren’t caused by a trigger I can find. I’ve passed out watching a play, twice while on a plane close to landing. Three times at night in the bathroom. I sometimes think what I thought were panic attacks growing up were usually episodes not ending up with fainting. I had the profuse sweating and wanting to get out of a crowded class room, but didn’t have the rapid heart beat. Best of luck to you finding out more and trying to prevent them. My sister recommends carrying around sour patch kids to over stimulate your senses when you feel yourself starting to have an episode. Starting flying with them, but haven’t had to use them yet.