Fainting, or syncope, is a temporary loss of consciousness caused by a lack of blood flow and oxygen to the brain. It can be caused by various conditions and situations, including abnormal circulatory reflex, postural changes, and certain medical conditions. Symptoms include dizziness, blurred vision, and weakness. Fainting can be a sign of a serious underlying condition and should be evaluated by a doctor.
Fainting is a temporary loss of consciousness that recovers on its own after only a short period of time. People usually lose consciousness due to lack of blood flow and decreased oxygen to the brain. The cause may be related to a number of conditions or situations, some involving the heart, many not. The medical term for fainting is syncope (SIN-ko-pee).
People most often lose consciousness due to an abnormal circulatory reflex. Some people pass out at the sight of blood, in a crowded room, or even from excessive coughing. This is referred to as situational fainting and could strike a person repeatedly, but only in a very specific situation.
People may also pass out when they get up after lying down. Called postural fainting, it is the result of decreased blood flow to the brain, usually due to a drop in blood pressure. This can occur after significant blood loss, dehydration, or changing cardiovascular medications, or as a side effect of other medications. Certain medical conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, and migraines, can also act as a catalyst for fainting.
Most people who lose consciousness experience symptoms beforehand. These symptoms may include dizziness, blurred or ‘speckled’ vision, dizziness and weakness. People observing someone about to pass out may notice pale skin, sweating, and dilated pupils. In most situations, people who pass out regain consciousness within a moment or two.
Unless you and your doctor are familiar with a condition that causes you to pass out, such as situational fainting, the condition is cause for a hospital visit. Darkening can signal a serious underlying condition and should be evaluated by a doctor. The elderly, heart patients and people with other accompanying symptoms should be transported to the hospital immediately. Even if you know of conditions that could make you lose consciousness, or if you are an otherwise healthy person with no history of episodes, you or a family member should still call your doctor after an episode.
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