Syncope, also referred to as fainting, happens because of various reasons including anxiety and fear. According to Dr. Bhupinder Singh in Plano, you are likely to have an episode when your brain fails to receive insufficient blood supply, resulting in a brief loss of consciousness. Though fainting might have no medical association, sometimes the cause might be severe, involving your heart. Your healthcare provider may advise you to treat fainting as a medical emergency until your symptoms resolve and the medical expert knows the root cause of your problem.
What Should You Do When Someone Faints?
Before you rush your loved one to your doctor after an episode, you might consider the following steps:
Position the victim on his back. If you notice that the person has no injuries and is breathing, raise his legs above his heart level and loosen any constrictive clothing like belts and collars.do not help the victim get up immediately to minimize his chances of fainting again. Call your doctor for help when the person fails to gain consciousness after a minute.
As you wait for medical intervention, you may begin CPR. Exert pressure on the wounds to control bleeding if you notice the person has cuts resulting from the fall.
What Are the Different Types of Syncope You Are Likely to Have?
Your doctor will define the type of syncope you have, depending on the causes. The types you are likely to have include:
· Vasovagal syncope
This form is the most common and occurs when you experience an instant drop in your blood pressure, reducing blood flow to your brain.
· Situational syncope
As a form of vasovagal syncope, situational syncope happens in specific situations that affect your nervous system. The situations may include dehydration, forceful coughing, hunger, emotional distress, or pain.
· Postural syncope
You are likely to have a postural syncopal episode when you have an instant drop in your blood pressure due to a sudden change in position. Dehydration and certain medications may also cause postural syncope.
· Neurologic syncope
The syncope type results from a neurological condition like stroke. However, other minor conditions likely to cause neurologic syncope include migraines.
Why Are the Warning Signs of a Syncopal Episode?
Before a syncopal attack, you may experience the following warning signs:
· Slurred speech.
· Weak pulse.
· Lightheadedness.
· Nausea.
· Changes in your body temperature.
· Blurry vision.
· Rapid heartbeat.
· Dizziness.
· Body weakness.
· Headaches.
When you experience symptoms that make you feel like fainting, stop and rest for a while. You may lie down or sit, lowering your body to the ground level and elevating your legs to allow blood flow to your brain. Lying down might also minimize your risks of sustaining injuries resulting from the fall if you faint. Call your physician for professional help when the feeling persists to help advise on the steps to take.
Though fainting might indicate a medical condition, you may also faint when you are healthy. The good news is that most of your episodes will be brief, allowing you to regain consciousness within a few minutes. For inquiries on how fainting might affect you, schedule an appointment with your physician.