Fainting - Women's Health - Associates for Women's Medicine (2024)

FAQs

What kind of doctor should I see for fainting? ›

While it might be easier to just try and forget about your fainting episode, it is best to stay on top of it. Give your physician or cardiologist a call and get checked out.

A drug called fludrocortisone acetate that's normally used to treat low blood pressure may be helpful in preventing vasovagal syncope. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors also may be used. Therapies. Your doctor may recommend ways to decrease the pooling of blood in your legs.

If someone else faints

Loosen belts, collars or other tight clothing. To reduce the chance of fainting again, don't get the person up too fast. If the person doesn't regain consciousness within one minute, call 911 or your local emergency number. Check for breathing.

Vasovagal syncope (vay-zoh-VAY-gul SING-kuh-pee) occurs when you faint because your body overreacts to certain triggers, such as the sight of blood or extreme emotional distress. It may also be called neurocardiogenic syncope. The vasovagal syncope trigger causes your heart rate and blood pressure to drop suddenly.

Fainting happens when you lose consciousness for a short amount of time because your brain isn't getting enough oxygen. The medical term for fainting is syncope, but it's more commonly known as “passing out.” A fainting spell generally lasts from a few seconds to a few minutes.

Propping the person's feet and lower legs up on a backpack or jacket also can help blood flow to the brain. Someone who has fainted will usually recover quickly. Because it's normal to feel a bit weak after fainting, be sure the person stays lying down for a bit. Getting up too soon may bring on another fainting spell.

The short answer is 'yes. ' If you have fainted, you should see a physician or visit an emergency room right away to identify the cause of your fainting and to ensure you do not have a serious underlying condition.

The 3 P's of vasovagal syncope

The presence of the following features would suggest vasovagal syncope: Posture – prolonged standing, or similar episodes that have been prevented by lying down. Provoking factors (such as pain or a medical procedure) Prodromal symptoms (such as sweating or feeling warm/hot before TLoC).

Indeed, the American Heart Association, recommends the intake of salt in patients with neurally mediated syncope (also known as neurocardiogenic, vasovagal, vasodepressor or reflex mediated syncope), along with the advice to drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration and a drop in arterial blood pressure.

Eating regular meals will also help prevent symptoms and fainting spells. Avoid low salt (sodium) diets. Eat salty snacks in between meals.

Is it bad to sleep after fainting? ›

It is generally safe to sleep after fainting, but you should make sure you are lying down in a safe position. Also, drink plenty of fluids to help rehydrate your body. If you experience any dizziness or lightheadedness after waking up, it is best to rest for a few hours before resuming your normal activities.

People who faint need to think carefully about what and how much they drink. Think of your body as a water tank with a minimum level needed to feed to brain with blood and oxygen to keep alert and conscious.

Fainting is a brief episode of unconsciousness caused by a sudden drop in blood pressure. The most likely cause of this sudden drop will either be some change in the blood vessels or the heartbeat itself. Blood vessels continually adjust their width to ensure a constant blood pressure.

But what do you do if you have that dizzy sensation more often than the occasional moment of standing up too quickly? What if you are passing out for no explicable reason? If you are experiencing fainting spells – Syncope – you should schedule an appointment with Complete Neurological Care.

Serious Cardiovascular Conditions (Cardiac Syncope)

If fainting occurs frequently and is not because of dehydration or sudden postural change, you may need to be tested for a serious heart or vascular condition.

If fainting could be due to an underlying health condition, a person should seek medical attention. A doctor will likely carry out investigations, such as an electrocardiogram (ECG), to rule out problems such as heart disease. Depending on the results, the person may need treatment.

“The bottom line is, don't blow off a faint,” he says. “Seeing a doctor will help you understand the cause. You might rule out any heart problems, but even if a heart condition is found, you can take the right steps to ensure you're safe from complications in the future."