Fainting (syncope, collapse)

Description

Fainting or syncope is the term used to describe a brief loss of consciousness. It is caused by a circulatory disturbance in the brain. If syncope lasts longer than a few minutes, a doctor must be consulted as soon as possible. Approximately 40% of all people will faint at least 1 time in their lives.

Unlike a real unconsciousness (coma), the life of the affected person is usually not directly threatened.

From a medical point of view, various types of syncope are distinguished.

The most common causes of fainting are a misregulation of blood pressure (vascular syncope) and diseases of the heart (cardiac syncope).

Vascular syncope

Fainting occurs due to low blood pressure (orthostasis syndrome) or circulatory insufficiency (vasovagal syncope). Blood pressure-lowering drugs, blood loss or direct irritation of the autonomic nervous system (e.g. by severe pain, blow to the neck or abdomen) can be the trigger.

Cardiac syncope

Cardiac diseases can also lead to syncope, such as:

• Arrhythmias (cardiac dysrhythmia)
• Heart failure (cardiac insufficiency)
• Heart valve defects
• Pericardial effusion (heart sac)
• Heart attack

Other causes

Fainting caused by hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or anemia (anemia), no longer count as syncope.

Short-term loss of consciousness due to epileptic seizures or transient circulatory disturbances in the brain (TIA), are counted as disorders of consciousness of other causes .

In fainting (syncope), a person briefly loses consciousness and may also sink to the ground. It announces itself through various symptoms:

• Dizziness
• Paleness
• Nausea
• Sweating
• weakness
• decreased muscle tone
• blackness in front of the eyes

Sufferers are usually responsive again after a few seconds.

Syncope can occur due to harmless, but also serious reasons. A doctor should be consulted if fainting spells occur frequently.

The attending physician will perform the following examinations:

• Medical history (history of illness) regarding existing illnesses and medications taken regularly.
• General physical examination
• resting ECG (electrocardiogram)
• Schellong test (assessment of orthostasis reaction, i.e. circulation regulation)
• possibly blood test

Syncope usually does not pose an immediate threat to life. The following measures can promote the regaining of consciousness:

• Rest in the surroundings
• Elevating the legs
• Covering (if necessary)
• Remain lying down for a few minutes after awakening
• Emergency call if the patient does not wake up immediately

If syncope occurs more frequently, the therapy depends on the cause. In the case of low blood pressure, the following measures may prove useful:

• Fitness training
• Kneipp baths (alternating)
• medication to increase blood pressure
• Sufficient fluid and salt intake