Presyncope is a feeling of dizziness or faintness that doesn’t lead to fainting. Causes include a sudden drop in blood pressure, inner ear disorders, or certain medications. Symptoms include nausea, shakiness, and pale skin. Treatment depends on the underlying cause.
Presyncope is a medical term used to describe a feeling of dizziness or faintness that doesn’t actually lead to fainting. Often, muscle weakness or mild disorientation accompany these sensations. Some of the potential causes of presyncope include a sudden drop in blood pressure, inner ear disorders, or the use of certain medications. Treatment depends on the underlying cause of the dizziness and may require a series of medical tests to get an accurate diagnosis. Any specific questions or concerns about this condition in an individual situation should be discussed with a doctor or other medical professional.
A variety of symptoms can occur when a person experiences presyncope. Nausea, shakiness, and pale skin may develop along with muscle weakness and lightheadedness. A person may think fainting is imminent and feel the need to lie down. Perceived changes in body temperature or profuse sweating may also develop.
In many cases, presyncope is caused by a disruption in proper communication between the heart and the nervous system. If this becomes a persistent problem, a doctor may recommend tests to make sure your heart is working as it should. Sudden drops in blood pressure levels can cause dizziness, and those being treated for high blood pressure may need to have their medication dosages re-evaluated by their supervising physician.
Patients who have been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder may experience this condition just before a panic attack begins. In these cases, the body’s natural fight-or-flight response may be at least partially responsible for the lightheaded sensations. Prescription drugs or psychological counseling can help relieve stress and anxiety for those with this type of medical history.
Inner ear problems can sometimes cause recurring episodes of presyncope. When this is thought to be the cause, a doctor may do tests to determine if the fluid levels in the inner ear are normal or if an ear infection is present. A condition known as Meniere’s disease can cause dizziness and gradual hearing loss.
Some medications list dizziness as one of the possible side effects, and it can be the cause of some cases of presyncope. Narcotic pain reliever medications, as well as those used to treat seizure disorders or depression, are among the most commonly used medications that carry this potential side effect. Any persistent or recurring attacks of dizziness should be reported to a doctor for further medical evaluation.
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