What happens when you stimulate the carotid sinus?
Stimulation of the carotid sinus baroreceptor (via stretching) stimulates the glossopharyngeal nerve, which in turn stimulates the vasomotor center in the medulla via the tractus solitarius, which then modulates the activity of the autonomic nervous system (suppresses sympathetic and stimulates parasympathetic output).
What stimulates carotid baroreceptors?
When blood pressure is elevated, carotid baroreceptors are activated to send signals to the brain stem nuclei in which inhibitory signals are delivered to attenuate the sympathetic tone and subsequently the blood pressure after a complex signal reception and conversion process [5].
What does the carotid sinus monitor?
The carotid sinus is the reflex area of the carotid artery, consisting of baroreceptors which monitor blood pressure.
How do you do a carotid massage?
Carotid Massage: This technique is performed with the patient’s neck in an extended position, the head turned away from the side being massaged. Only one side should be massaged at a time. Pressure is applied underneath the angle of the jaw in a gentle circular motion for about 10 seconds.
What does a carotid massage do?
Overview. Carotid sinus massage is a major diagnostic test for carotid sinus hypersensitivity, which may be manifested as dizziness or syncope. Carotid sinus massage is also used in emergency settings to diagnose or treat paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia.
What is baroreceptor stimulation?
Baroreceptors are spray-type nerve endings in the walls of blood vessels and the heart that are stimulated by the absolute level of, and changes in, arterial pressure. They are extremely abundant in the wall of the bifurcation of the internal carotid arteries (carotid sinus) and in the wall of the aortic arch.
How do you perform a carotid sinus massage?
It involves gently massaging the carotid artery for 5 seconds on one side of your neck whilst monitoring your heart rhythm and blood pressure. Your heart rhythm will be monitored via sticky pads on your chest attached to a heart monitor, whilst your blood pressure will be assessed via a cuff around your upper arm.
What does carotid massage stimulate?
The carotid sinus reflex is an integral component of the homeostatic mechanisms of blood pressure regulation. Increases in intrasinus pressure stimulate mechanoreceptors, which participate in an afferent arc terminating in the brainstem.
How do you massage a carotid sinus in the neck?
What is carotid sinus massage? This is a procedure that is used to investigate unexplained dizziness, falls or faints. It involves gently massaging the carotid artery for 5 seconds on one side of your neck whilst monitoring your heart rhythm and blood pressure.
When should you not massage a carotid sinus?
Absolute contraindications to carotid sinus massage include myocardial infarction, transient ischemic attack or stroke within the preceding three months. A history of ventricular fibrillation or tachycardia, or a previous adverse reaction to carotid sinus massage are also absolute contraindications.