In Victorian times, wearing a corset was said to be the cause of women’s frequent fainting spells. Today, the temporary loss of consciousness, medically known as syncope (pronounced sin-ko-pee), is a symptom of a variety of health concerns, some more serious than others, that may also affect young and healthy men and women.
“Most fainting is benign or harmless, but it is also not normal and could be a red flag to an undetected disease or life-threatening condition,” says Darwin A. Dasig, MD, Head of the Section of Neurology under the Department of Neurological Sciences. “Proper diagnosis, treatment, or preventive methods and measures are important to prevent fainting spells.”
Understanding differences between fainting spells
Typically, fainting or passing out happens when the brain and heart don’t receive a sufficient amount of oxygen due to low blood pressure causing the blood vessels to dilate, and blood is stored in the lower part of the body. This is called vasovagal attack or neurocardiogenic syncope, which is common among children and young adults. Several triggers, including intense pain, emotional distress, hunger, fatigue, alcohol, drugs, bright lights, extreme heat, and even standing for long periods, are at the root of this type of syncope, which is usually preceded by lightheadedness, nausea, and blurred or tunnel vision. This is generally benign and does not leave sequela (a condition that is the consequence of a previous disease or injury) or aftereffect.
On the other hand, if these sensations happen when you suddenly get up from a lying or sitting position, you just experienced postural or orthostatic hypotension, which, among older people, could result in fainting. This may be caused by dehydration, or an underlying heart, endocrine or nervous system disorder.
Elderly males are also vulnerable to carotid sinus syncope, which occurs when the carotid sinus—a dilated portion of one of the major arteries supplying blood to the head—is stimulated, such as when turning the head, looking up, or wearing tight collars.
Though exercise-induced syncope calls to mind the recent stories of long-distance runners collapsing after crossing the finish line of a marathon, the term actually refers to fainting during exercise—a rare and more serious condition. Athletes who experience this should undergo a battery of tests to rule out pre-existing health issues such as heart anomalies or hypertension, as well as conditions brought about by external factors, such as medication use.
Have you ever lost consciousness during or after urination? This strange but true occurrence is called micturition syncope, and it is more common among males. The strained effort when relieving oneself apparently affects a nerve that slows the heart rate, brings blood pressure down, and reduces oxygen supply to the brain.
Tussive syncope, or fainting that comes after coughing hard, is another condition experienced more by males, particularly overweight men with obstructive airway issues.
What to do when you feel like passing out
If you feel like you are about to lose consciousness, lie down and elevate your legs to allow blood to flow to your brain. If you’re in a public place and lying down isn’t possible, sit down and put your head between your legs. Engaging in physical counter pressure maneuvers also helps avert syncope: cross your legs, tense your arm muscles, clench the muscles in your lower body, or make a fist the next time you experience the early signs of a fainting spell. Avoid going to warm places or places with poor air circulation, and refrain from standing for a long time during shopping, parties or other events.
“It is very important to keep yourself hydrated all the time,” advises Noel L. Rosas, MD, chairman of the Department of Medicine. “We also recommend drinking beverages high in sodium (salt) content. Avoid caffeine and alcohol as much as you can. For those with neurocardiogenic syncope, wearing compression stockings can help in proper blood circulation.”
A person who passes out regains consciousness after a couple of minutes. If you are with a person who has fainted, check the person’s airway and breathing. If the person has vomited, turn him or her onto their side to prevent choking. Call for medical assistance if the person is bleeding or injured and hasn’t regained consciousness after a couple of minutes.
Equipped with the latest diagnostic machines and a roster of highly qualified, board-certified medical specialists, Makati Medical Center can get to the bottom of your fainting episodes.
For more information, please contact MakatiMed On-Call at (02) 8888 999, email mmc@makatimed.net.ph, or visit www.makatimed.net.ph.