FAINTING (Syncope; Passing out): Causes, Symptoms, Prevention and Management of a Fainting episode/spell

OVERVIEW

Fainting is a temporary loss of consciousness. Also known as Syncope or Passing Out, it is specifically caused by insufficient supply of blood to the brain and is usually very brief (lasting for just some minutes). Other causes of fainting include hunger/starvation, severe pain, fear, stress, drug or alcohol use, certain medications etc. A fainting episode can be prevented by lying down with the legs above the head or sitting down with the head between the knees. But if a fainting episode has already happened to somebody, simple steps can be done to revive the person, though, depending on whether the person is breathing or not
 

A fainting episode

CAUSE

Medically known as Syncope or "passing out", fainting is usually preceeded by light-headedness, dizzyness, or weakness. And during the course of fainting, the person loses muscle movement and the face turns pale. However, the person recovers from it fully and completely

Of the many parts of the brain, the ones most associated with consciousness/unconsciousness are the Cerebral hemispheres and the Reticular activating system (located within the brainstem). Because the brain does not have its own nutrient store, it solely depends on blood flow to provide oxygen and glucose.
For the body to be awake, the Reticular activating system must be turned on, together with at least one of the cerebral hemispheres.
For fainting to occur, either the Reticular activating system or both hemispheres needs to lose its blood supply. This will then deprive them of blood, oxygen, and glucose.

As erroneously thought, fainting is not caused by a head injury. Loss of consciousness after a head injury is called Concussion. However, fainting can cause injury if the person falls and hurt himself or if it occurs during life-dependent activities such as driving a car.

Other causes of fainting include:

• Low blood sugar (hunger/starvation)

• Severe pain

• Fear

• Standing in one place for too long/Stress

• Drug or alcohol use

• Sudden drop in blood pressure such as from bleeding or being severely dehydrated

• Seizures

• Certain medications including those used for anxiety. depression, high blood pressure, and allergies. These medications act by causing a drop in blood pressure

• Underlying health issues such as Diabetes, heart disease, Nervous disorders

MANAGING A FAINTING EPISODE

1. If you feel faint

• Lie down, preferably in a position allowing your leg to be above your head. This will encourage blood flow to the brain

• If lying down is not possible, then sit down with your head between your knees

Resuscitation from a fainting episode

     2.   If someone faints

• If the person is still breathing/moving

- Position the person on his back
- Ensure the person's airway is clear. Watch out for vomitus. If he has vomited, then turn the person to his side to prevent him from choking on his vomit
- Loosen belts, collars or any other clothing that is tight
- Restore blood flow to the brain by raising his legs above head level
- If the person regains consciousness, do not get him up too quickly so as to avoid another fainting episode

• If the person is not breathing/moving

- Begin Cardiac Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR, also known as Cardiac massage).
- Call a doctor immediately
- Continue the CPR until the doctor arrives or the person starts breathing again
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