QuestionRecently I stopped at an airport massage center and had a 15 minute deep neck and shoulder massage. During the massage on my right side I experienced a few minutes of moderate degree of nausea, dizziness, faintness and my finger tips tingled and that's all I remember...the therapist completed my left side but I don't remember this part as I had evidently passed out! She said she had difficulty waking me up and had called her manager! I am in excellent health with an average BP of 112 /68. I felt great after the massage without any further side effects but the therapist was in tears! She was so upset...I hope she doesn't quit over this strange event as she was very good! I just don't know if I should ever get another massage!
AnswerHello Carla,
It is possible that the vasovagal nerve, which is the nerve of the muscle in the throat and the larynx, was stimulated while receiving the massage. If a person is upright when this happens, then blood, and oxygen, no longer reach the brain in sufficient quantities to maintain consciousness and the individual will pass out. If you receive another massage, I would recommend lying down on the table, rather than sitting upright, to restore blood flow to the brain. Also, to be safe, you should mention this to your primary care physician.
Have a wonderful evening!
Brandy
