Published on: 7/9/2025
Why might someone pass out after experiencing a seizure?
Someone may pass out after a seizure due to a lack of oxygen to the brain, which can lead to a temporary loss of consciousness, similar to fainting. A seizure can also affect the heart, causing it to beat very slowly or even stop for a short time.
Explanation
Passing out after a seizure can occur because seizures can cause lack of oxygen to the brain, or affect the heart. Sometimes during a seizure, the heart can slow down a lot or even stop briefly. This is known as bradycardia or asystole.
Why it Happens:
- Seizure Impact: When a person has a seizure, it can cause changes in the brain that affect how the heart works.
- Heart Response: The heart might respond by beating very slowly or stopping for a few seconds, which can make someone faint.
Understanding Syncope:
- Syncope is the medical term for fainting. It can be caused by the heart not pumping enough blood to the brain.
- In some cases, people might have both seizures and syncope, making it tricky to know which came first.
These events can be serious, so it is important to talk to a healthcare provider if someone experiences fainting after a seizure.
(References)
- Duplyakov D, Golovina G, Lyukshina N, Surkova E, Elger CE, & Surges R. (2014). Syncope, seizure-induced bradycardia and asystole. Seizure, 24680552.
- Koutrolou-Sotiropoulou P, Singh A, Leeman-Markowski M, & Rashba EJ. (2016). Syncope, seizure or both?. Acute cardiac care, 27869560.
- Lai CW, & Ziegler DK. (1983). Repeated Self-Induced Syncope and Subsequent Seizures .... Archives of neurology, 6639412.
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