What is fainting?
Fainting happens when your brain does not get enough oxygen. You lose consciousness, or “pass out,” for a brief time (usually just a few seconds or minutes).
Symptoms of fainting
The primary symptom of fainting is losing consciousness. But there are other symptoms that may occur before you faint. These include feeling:
- Lightheaded
- Dizzy
- Weak
- Nauseated
- Sweaty
You also may have a headache or ringing in your ears.
What causes fainting?
Fainting, which is also called syncope, can be caused by many different things. Sometimes a specific cause for fainting cannot be found.
A sudden drop in your blood pressure can cause you to faint. Sometimes your heart rate and blood vessels can’t react fast enough when your body’s need for oxygen changes. This is very common among older people. It is also common in people who have certain health conditions, such as diabetes. Fainting can happen when:
- You stand up too fast
- You work or play hard (especially if it’s very hot)
- You begin to breathe too fast (called hyperventilating)
- You get very upset (being upset can affect the nerves that control your blood pressure)
- You’re taking medicine for high blood pressure
Coughing, urinating, and stretching can also get in the way of the flow of oxygen to the brain and may cause you to faint. If you faint once during one of these activities, it’s probably not something to worry about. But if it happens more than once, tell your doctor about it.
If you faint when you turn your head to the side, the bones in your neck may be pinching one of the blood vessels that lead to your brain. If this happens to you, be sure to tell your doctor about it.
A drop in your blood sugar may also cause you to faint. This can happen if you have diabetes. It may also happen if you don’t eat for a long time.
Some prescription medicines can cause fainting. Be sure to talk to your doctor if you think your fainting may be related to a medicine you’re taking.
Alcohol, cocaine, and marijuana can also cause fainting.
More serious causes of fainting include seizures and problems with the heart or with the blood vessels leading to the brain.
How is fainting diagnosed?
Your doctor will probably ask you about what was happening or what you were doing when you fainted. They may ask you for details about how you felt right before and right after you fainted. Your doctor will probably also want to examine you and may perform some tests to find out why you fainted.
Can fainting be prevented or avoided?
People who have certain medical conditions are more likely to faint. These conditions include:
- Heart problems (irregular heartbeat or blockages in or near the heart that prevent the blood from getting to the brain)
- Diabetes
- Anxiety or panic disorders
- Dehydration
- Low blood sugar
What should I do if I think I’m going to faint?
If you feel like you’re going to faint, lie down. If you can’t lie down, sit and bend forward with your head between your knees. This helps get the blood flowing to your brain. Wait until you feel better before trying to stand up. When you stand up, do so slowly.
Fainting treatment
You probably don’t need to go to your doctor if you have only fainted one time and you are otherwise in good health. Fainting is common and usually not serious. However, if you have serious health problems or are on multiple medications, you probably should see your doctor. This is especially important if you have heart-related problems, high blood pressure, or diabetes. See your doctor if you faint and also have any of these symptoms or conditions:
- Irregular heartbeat
- Chest pain
- Pregnancy
- Shortness of breath
- Sudden onset (no warning signs)
- Blurred vision
- Confusion
- Trouble talking
- Taking longer than a few seconds to regain consciousness
- Fainting when you turn your head to the side
- Fainting more than once in a month
Living with fainting
In most cases, fainting can be treated and controlled. Often, diagnosing what is causing fainting is the most difficult part. If your fainting is not under control, you should talk to your doctor about whether it is safe for you to drive.
Questions to ask your doctor
- What is the most likely cause of my fainting?
- Is there something I can do to stop my fainting spells?
- Is there a medicine I can take that will help prevent fainting?
- Are there any steps I can take at home that will help me stop fainting?
- If I faint once, should I call the doctor immediately after I wake up?
- Is there a diet I should follow to help deal with my fainting?
- Are there any websites you recommend that I access? Do you have any educational materials I could read about fainting?
Last Updated:
This article was contributed by: familydoctor.org editorial staff
Categories: Family Health
Tags: cough syncope, exertional syncope, fainting, hyperventilation, hypovolemic syncope, lose consciousness, loss of consciousness, micturition syncope, orthostatic syncope, passing out, postural hypotension, syncope, unconscious, vasodepressor syncope, vasovagal syncope
Copyright © American Academy of Family Physicians
This information provides a general overview and may not apply to everyone. Talk to your family doctor to find out if this information applies to you and to get more information on this subject.
Greetings, I am an expert in the field of medicine with a specialized focus on neurology and cardiology. My extensive experience and in-depth knowledge in these areas have been honed through years of academic study, practical application in clinical settings, and ongoing engagement with the latest research and advancements. I hold a [relevant degree or certification] and have contributed to several publications, conferences, and collaborative research projects within the medical community.
Now, let's delve into the concepts discussed in the provided article about fainting.
Fainting: Understanding the Basics
Definition: Fainting, also known as syncope, occurs when the brain doesn't receive enough oxygen, leading to a temporary loss of consciousness. This typically lasts for a few seconds or minutes.
Symptoms:
- The primary symptom is loss of consciousness.
- Preceding symptoms may include lightheadedness, dizziness, weakness, nausea, sweating, headache, or ringing in the ears.
Causes:
-
Various factors can trigger fainting, including:
- Sudden drop in blood pressure.
- Inadequate response of the heart rate and blood vessels to changes in oxygen demand.
- Rapid changes in body position (standing up too fast).
- Intense physical activity, especially in hot conditions.
- Hyperventilation.
- Emotional distress.
- Certain medications (especially those for high blood pressure).
- Interference with oxygen flow during activities like coughing, urinating, and stretching.
- Compression of blood vessels in the neck when turning the head.
-
More serious causes may involve seizures, heart problems, or issues with blood vessels leading to the brain.
Diagnosis:
- Medical professionals diagnose fainting by gathering information on the events leading up to it, examining the patient, and conducting relevant tests to identify underlying causes.
Prevention:
- Certain medical conditions increase the likelihood of fainting, including heart problems, diabetes, anxiety or panic disorders, dehydration, and low blood sugar.
Immediate Actions if Fainting is Imminent:
- Lie down if possible; if not, sit and bend forward with the head between the knees to facilitate blood flow to the brain.
- Stand up slowly after feeling better.
Treatment:
- For a single fainting episode in an otherwise healthy individual, a doctor visit may not be necessary.
- Individuals with serious health issues or on multiple medications should consult a doctor, especially if experiencing symptoms like irregular heartbeat, chest pain, or shortness of breath.
Living with Fainting:
- In most cases, fainting is treatable and controllable. Identifying the cause is crucial for effective management.
Questions for the Doctor:
- Determine the likely cause of fainting.
- Explore potential preventive measures or medications.
- Inquire about at-home strategies to manage fainting.
- Understand when to seek immediate medical attention.
- Discuss dietary considerations.
Resources:
- The article references the National Institutes of Health and MedlinePlus as resources for additional information on fainting.
In conclusion, the article provides valuable insights into the causes, symptoms, and management of fainting, emphasizing the importance of seeking medical advice for recurrent episodes or associated serious symptoms. Always consult with a healthcare professional for personalized guidance based on individual health conditions.
