Syncope (or fainting) is a common problem. Up to 40% of people experience it at least once in their lifetime. Benign conditions can cause it, but it can also be a sign of a serious, potentially life-threatening condition. Syncope can be described as a brief loss of consciousness followed by a fall. This is caused by a temporary decrease or blood supply to the brain. The heart regulates blood flow to all organs and the brain. Temporary decreases in heartbeat or a rapid fall in blood pressure can result in a temporary drop in blood supply to the brain.

What Causes Syncope?

It is important you realize that syncope is not a problem of the brain, even though it can cause a temporary loss of consciousness. It is caused by a temporary interruption in the blood supply to the brain. It is most often secondary to a cardiac or vascular cause.

There Are Three Main Causes That Cause Syncope

Vasovagal Syphilis or “The Common Weak”: This disorder is frequent in young children, and it is generally benign. This happens when there is a sudden drop in blood pressure.

Orthostatic Hypotension: This can be seen frequently in elderly patients, especially those who take cardiac medication. If you try to stand while lying down or sitting down, your blood pressure will drop.

Syncope with Arrhythmia: Although these two common causes of syncope are treatable easily, arrhythmic and dangerous syncope can become recurring and potentially fatal. Arrhythmic systolic occurs when the heart rate fluctuates (usually sudden and intermittent slowing or episodes at very rapid rates), which temporarily interrupts the blood supply to the brain.

Common Faint or Not, How to Tell Which?

For those who faint due to any of the signs listed above, it is imperative that you get an immediate and thorough evaluation in order to rule out any other possible causes.

1. Faints occur while sitting or lying on your back.
2. Faints when running or walking.
3. Commonly, injury to the head from faints.
4. Rapid heartbeat or chest pain that precedes the fainting.
5. Patients with pre-existing heart disease are more likely to experience symptoms like a faint.
6. Faints in those with a family history involving sudden death.
7. A few signs and symptoms of aging.

How Can You Diagnose Syncope?

Although it is possible to suspect the common from the patient’s history, it can easily be confirmed by a Head up tilt test (HUTT), which reproduces the fainting spell under controlled circumstances. Arrhythmic systolic syncope is more difficult. It is important to identify the cause and get syncope treatment.

How Can We Prevent Common Syncope?

Drinking Lots of Water

• Avoid standing for too many hours. Avoid standing for extended periods without moving or shaking your legs.
• Some patients may experience mild nausea, sweating, or light-headedness. These premonitory symptoms should be recognized and treated immediately. Avoid standing while feeling giddy.
• Perform tilt training exercises.
• Avoid sudden standing, especially for the elderly. Sit up slowly and support yourself while getting up from your bed.

What Treatment Options Exist?

Management requires that the patient be able to identify the root cause of their episodes of syncope. Common faints respond to tilt exercises and lifestyle modifications. The South Valley Neurologyneurologists are professionals with a wealth of resources that can diagnose and treat your pain.