Faint

About the Symptom

A temporary loss of consciousness is known as fainting, sometimes called passing out or syncope. It occurs due to a sudden decrease in blood supply to the brain. A typical episode lasts a few seconds to minutes. Most fainting spells are harmless.

When to See a Doctor

Seek professional care if you experience any of the following symptoms

• Losing consciousness

Possible Causes

Generally, Faint can be related to:

• Vasovagal Syncope

  Neurally mediated syncope, also known as vasovagal syncope, is a sudden drop in heart rate and blood pressure that results in fainting. Common triggers include strain, stress, long periods of standing, exposure to heat, or emotionally upsetting situations (such as sight of blood).

• Long QT Syndrome

  QT prolongation syndrome is a heart signaling disorder that can cause fast, chaotic heartbeats (arrhythmias). It can be present from birth or develop later in life due to certain medical conditions, specific drugs, or mineral imbalances.

• Breath Holding Spells

  A condition sometimes seen in young children. Spells most commonly occur around one year of age with a range of six months to four years. Up to 15 percent of cases may have an initial episode below the age of six months. The child may stop breathing for up to 1 minute, causing them to lose consciousness and tone. Although alarming to parents, this condition is common and can happen in healthy children, who will grow out of it as they age. Triggers for spells include frustration, pain, or fear.

• Dissociative Disorder

Related Serious Diseases

Sometimes, Faint may be related to these serious diseases:

• Asphyxiation

  Suffocation (asphyxiation) occurs when the body doesn't receive enough oxygen. The most common causes are allergic reactions (throat closes up from swelling), drowning and foreign objects caught in the airway. Without quick intervention, it can result in loss of consciousness, brain damage, or death.

• Acute Myocarditis
• Eclampsia
• Vasovagal Reflex
• Acute Epidural Hematoma
• Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Doctor's Diagnostic Questions

Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this symptom:

• Have you fainted recently?
• When did you first notice fainting?
• How often do you experience fainting?
• Have you ever passed out from overwhelming emotions?
• Did you feel dizzy before passing out?

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