faints

Faints, commonly described as fainting, are brief losses of consciousness caused by a temporary drop in blood flow to the brain, followed by spontaneous recovery. They are usually short and do not cause lasting brain injury, though a fall during a faint can lead to injuries. Fainting is a symptom, not a single disease, and has multiple possible causes.

The most common type is vasovagal (reflex) syncope, often triggered by emotional distress, pain, fear, or standing for long periods. Other patterns include orthostatic hypotension, where blood pressure falls with standing, and cardiac syncope, resulting from heart rhythm problems or structural heart disease. Preceding symptoms may include lightheadedness, dizziness, nausea, sweating, blurred vision, or ringing in the ears, sometimes with pallor or a racing heartbeat.

Evaluation typically involves a clinician’s history and physical exam, followed by tests such as blood pressure and heart rate measurements in different positions and an ECG. Additional tests (blood tests, echocardiography, Holter monitor, or tilt-table testing) are used if indicated by risk factors or unclear results.

Management depends on the underlying cause. In an episode, lay the person flat, raise the legs, loosen restrictive clothing, and ensure an open airway; do not give food or drink until fully awake. Long-term care may include hydration, salt intake (when advised), slow position changes, and avoidance of known triggers. Cardiac causes require specialist evaluation; treatments may involve medications or devices like a pacemaker in some cases.

Most fainting spells are not life-threatening, but recurrent or atypical episodes warrant medical assessment to identify and manage underlying causes.