Yfirlið

Yfirlið is an Icelandic term that translates to "fainting" or "loss of consciousness" in English. It refers to a temporary state of unconsciousness that occurs due to a sudden, brief decrease in blood flow to the brain. This can be caused by various factors, including emotional distress, pain, heat exposure, or standing for prolonged periods.

When someone experiences yfirlið, they typically lose postural tone, leading to a fall. The episode is usually short-lived, lasting only a few seconds to a few minutes. During the yfirlið, the person is unresponsive and may appear pale and clammy. They often regain consciousness spontaneously without any lasting effects. However, it is important to ensure the person has not sustained any injuries from the fall.

After regaining consciousness, individuals may feel disoriented, weak, or nauseous. Lying down with the legs elevated is often recommended to help restore blood flow to the brain. If yfirlið occurs frequently, or if there are other concerning symptoms, medical evaluation is advised to rule out underlying medical conditions. Common causes for recurrent fainting include orthostatic hypotension, where blood pressure drops upon standing, or vasovagal syncope, a reflex that causes a sudden drop in heart rate and blood pressure.