Syncope, often referred to as fainting or “passing out,” is a temporary loss of consciousness that occurs due to a sudden reduction of blood flow to the brain. This common medical condition can be alarming, but it’s often benign. However, syncope can also be a symptom of a more serious underlying health issue, requiring medical attention to determine the cause and appropriate management.
Different types of syncope exist, classified based on the underlying mechanism causing the temporary disruption of blood supply to the brain. Understanding these types is crucial for diagnosis and treatment. Syncope can sometimes be an indicator of heart disease or neurological conditions like neuropathy, making it essential to investigate the cause, especially in recurrent cases.
Before an episode of syncope leads to loss of consciousness, individuals may experience a range of warning symptoms. These pre-syncope symptoms can act as an alert, allowing for preventive measures to be taken. Common symptoms preceding syncope include:
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Dizziness or vertigo, creating a sensation of spinning or unsteadiness.
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Lightheadedness, feeling as if you might faint.
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Nausea or feeling like you are going to vomit.
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Vision changes, such as blurred vision, tunnel vision, or temporary blackouts.
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Skin changes, often becoming pale, cold, and clammy to the touch.
During a syncope episode, a person typically loses consciousness for a brief period, often just a minute or two, and then gradually returns to their normal state of awareness. While syncope can occur in individuals of all ages, including healthy people, it is more prevalent among older adults.
If someone faints, the immediate priority is to ensure they are still breathing. Once breathing is confirmed, place the individual in a safe position, ideally lying down in a cool and quiet environment for about 10 to 15 minutes. If lying down isn’t feasible, have them sit with their head positioned between their knees. Sipping cold water can also be beneficial. Recovery usually occurs within minutes to a few hours.
Treatment for syncope is centered around identifying the underlying cause to prevent future episodes. Recognizing the early symptoms of syncope is key to taking proactive steps to avoid fainting. When you feel the initial symptoms, you can attempt to prevent a full fainting episode by employing physical counter-maneuvers such as:
- Making a fist to increase blood pressure.
- Crossing your legs tightly to improve venous return.
- Squeezing your thighs together to enhance blood flow.
- Tensing your arm muscles to elevate blood pressure.
Although often not life-threatening, syncope can be dangerous if the underlying cause is serious or if fainting leads to injuries. It is crucial to seek medical evaluation to determine the cause of syncope and receive appropriate treatment, especially if episodes are recurrent or associated with other concerning symptoms.
How to Improve Care for People with Syncope
Participating in clinical trials is a valuable way to contribute to the advancement of knowledge and care for syncope and related conditions. Clinical research relies on volunteers to help researchers understand disorders better and develop improved methods for detection, treatment, and prevention.
Clinical trials need diverse participants – individuals who are healthy or have illnesses, across all ages, sexes, races, and ethnicities. This diversity ensures that research results are applicable to a broad population and that treatments are safe and effective for everyone.
For more information on participating in clinical research, visit NIH Clinical Research Trials and You. To find clinical trials specifically for syncope, explore Clinicaltrials.gov.
Resources for More Information about Syncope
For further information about syncope, these resources are available:
American Heart Association Phone: 800-242-8721 or 214-373-6300
