Swallowing syncope. A case report.

A previously healthy man complained of syncopes and convulsions during meals. Despite thorough gastroenterologic, neurologic and cardiologic examination, the condition was misinterpreted as a psychiatric disorder for 13 years. Then ambulatory ECG, using a casette recorder, revealed periods of 2nd degree AV block during swalllowing. Pacemaker implantation prevented the attacks.