Blood Phobia (hemophobia) And Fear of Needles (trypanophobia)

Blood-injection-injury phobia is a common condition amongst children and adults. If you struggle with blood and needle phobia, you may have what is known as a dysregulated autonomic nervous system. The vagus nerve, which is responsible for keeping your body’s blood pressure and heart rate at homeostasis, acts out of sync when the body encounters certain triggers. Pain, needles, blood and anything associated with medical procedures can cause a spike in anxiety, heart rate and blood pressure and a subsequent sudden drop in blood pressure. This leads to a sensation of vertigo and possibly fainting. This condition, known as vasovagal syncope, can cause extreme discomfort and can lead to full-blown panic in the face of anything that threatens to activate these bodily sensations.