Overview
Have you ever experienced fainting or passing out? In fact, medically fainting or passing out is known as a syncope or syncopal episode. This condition usually occurs when a sudden temporary drop in blood flow to the brain begins, causing loss of consciousness and muscle control. The person then falls into a state of unconsciousness, allowing blood flow to return to the brain and regain consciousness.
Don’t panic; syncope is a common condition and can happen to people of any age. However, adults are more likely to faint. Syncopal episodes usually last a few seconds or minutes in a person, and then the person recovers.
What are the causes of Syncope?
According to doctors, syncope can have many causes, including underlying medical conditions or environmental triggers. Also, emotional reactions to difficult situations can lead to fainting. If you experience a drop in blood pressure and heart rate, it is normal for you to have syncope. Causes of syncope include low blood sugar, severe pain, and changes in blood volume.
Following are some of the common causes of fainting:-
- Extreme pain or fear
- Exhaustion
- Pregnancy
- Dehydration
- Staying in the same posture for a long time can lead to the accumulation of blood in the feet or legs.
- Low blood pressure or dilated blood vessels
- Excessive worry and stress
- Not being physically active
- Irregular heartbeat
- Structural heart disease (Aortic stenosis)
- Ventricular tachycardia
- Brady arrhythmia (complete heart block)
- Heart attack
Some people are so sensitive that they faint on seeing blood. Undoubtedly many of you will also be like this.
Common symptoms and warning signs of syncope
Symptoms and warning signs usually follow syncopal episodes. Its symptoms include:-
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Headache (lightheadedness)
- Fast heartbeat
- Weakness
- Heaviness in the head
- Pale skin
- Vision disturbances (blurry vision)
- Sudden change in body temperature
- Sweat
- Weak pulse
What should you do if you have syncope?
If you experience the symptoms of syncope listed above or feel like you are about to faint, stop and sit or lie down. Try to ground your body and bring your feet above the level of head; this will help get the blood flow back to the brain. Even if you become completely unconscious, sitting or lying down can avoid injuries caused by a sudden fall.
If you have frequent syncope episodes, this is something to worry about.
How to prevent future syncope episodes?
If an identifiable trigger causes your syncope, try to avoid that trigger as much as possible. For example, if you faint due to extreme heat, ensure you don’t go back into the situation.
If excess blood accumulates in your legs or feet, you can avoid this condition by exercising regularly.
Pro Tip:- You can use compression socks if you want.
When should you go to the doctor?
The condition of syncope is very normal; there is no need to panic. But if you have frequent syncope episodes, then you can consult a doctor. Your doctor can give you better advice about what to do next.