FAINTING (Syncope) |
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General Information
DEFINITION--Sudden, temporary loss of consciousness. This is most likely to occur in an athlete involved in prolonged physical exertion in warm weather. It usually occurs AFTER exercising.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
Skin that is pale, cold and sweaty.
Sudden lightheadedness.
Blurred vision (sometimes).
Nausea (sometimes).
General weakness, then unconsciousness.
Rapid heartbeat (100 to 120 beats per minute) and rapid breathing. If heartbeat or breathing is not present, this may be cardiac arrest rather than fainting.
CAUSES & RISK FACTORSA sudden decrease in blood pressure, which temporarily deprives the brain of blood. The drop in blood pressure may result from:
Pooled blood in the extremities caused by a long run.
Prolonged straining, such as from lifting heavy weights, coughing forcefully or attempting bowel movements when constipated.
Sudden emotional stress.
Standing after squatting (orthostatic hypotension). This is quite likely in weight-lifting when also holding breath ("weight-lifter's blackout.")
Hot, humid weather.
Low blood sugar.
Heartbeat abnormalities--too fast, too slow or irregular.
Heart diseases that limit the amount of blood the heart pumps.
Heart attack (rare).
Anemia (rare).
Use of certain drugs, such as heart medications that slow the heartbeat. These include digitalis, beta-adrenergic blockers and other antihypertensive drugs.
HOW TO PREVENT
Avoid any of the causes or risk factors listed above if possible.
Avoid sudden changes in physical activity.
lf fainting episodes are caused by medication, consult your doctor about changing drugs.
WHAT TO EXPECT
DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES
Observation of symptoms by those nearby.
Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.
SURGERYNot necessary nor useful for this disorder.
NORMAL COURSE OF ILLNESSSimple fainting disappears in 1 to 3 minutes. It may seem longer to bystanders.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
Injury while fainting.
Mistaking cardiac arrest for fainting.
HOW TO TREAT
NOTE -- Follow your doctor's instructions. These instructions are supplemental.
FIRST AIDIf someone faints, check for breathing and a neck pulse. If neither is present, this represents a cardiac arrest. Treat as an emergency:
Dial 0 (operator) or 911 (emergency) for an ambulance or medical help. Then give first aid immediately.
Begin cardiac massage and mouth-to-mouth breathing (CPR). Don't stop until help arrives. If someone faints, is breathing and has a pulse, leave the person on the ground and elevate both legs. This helps return blood to the heart.
MEDICAL TREATMENTDoctor's treatment, if fainting is caused by an underlying disorder (see Causes).
HOME TREATMENT
If you feel faint, sit down immediately and bend over, or lie down.
If you are subject to frequent fainting spells, avoid activities in which fainting may endanger your life, such as climbing to high places, driving vehicles or operating dangerous machinery.
MEDICATIONMedication usually is not necessary for fainting. Medication may be necessary for underlying disorders.
ACTIVITYResume your normal activities as soon as you regain consciousness.
DIETNo special diet unless fainting episodes are caused by low blood sugar. If so, eat 5 or 6 small meals a day. The meals should be high in protein, high in complex carbohydrates and low in simple carbohydrates (sugar).
CALL YOUR DOCTOR IF
An unconscious person has no pulse and is not breathing. Give CPR first.
Someone faints and is breathing, but does not regain consciousness in 2 minutes.
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