Definition

Fainting is a loss of consciousness that happens quickly and sometimes without warning. A person is usually alert again in a short amount of time.

Causes

Fainting happens when there is a decrease in blood flow to the brain. There are many health problems that can cause fainting.

Some things that can trigger fainting are:

• Extreme heat
• Dehydration
• Long periods of standing
• Stress, trauma, or fright

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These health problems may also cause fainting:

• Orthostatic hypotension—low blood pressure when standing
• Anemia—low iron in the blood
• Hypoglycemia—low blood glucose
• Seizures
• Stroke or transient ischemic attack
• Heart conditions

Risk Factors

Things that may increase the risk of fainting are:

• Taking medicine that lowers blood pressure
• Alcohol use
• Blood loss
• Fluid loss, such as from diarrhea or vomiting
• Not drinking enough fluids
• Lung disease
• Environmental factors, such as extreme heat

Symptoms

Fainting is a sudden loss of consciousness that resolves in a short amount of time. Before this happens, a person may feel:

• Lightheaded
• Weak
• Nauseated
• Sweaty

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. You will also be asked what you were doing when this symptom happened. A physical exam will be done. This is often enough to make the diagnosis. More tests may need to be done. The tests that are done depend on what the doctor believes may be the cause.

Treatment

If there is an underlying cause, it will need to be treated. Treatment may not be needed for a person who only fainted once.

Prevention

Some underlying health problems cause people to faint. They will need to be treated.

People who feel as though they may faint can lower the risk with movements that promote blood flow to the brain, such as:

• Crossing your legs while tensing the muscles of legs, belly, and buttocks.
• Squeezing a rubber ball or other object as hard as possible.
• Gripping one hand with the other while tensing both arms and raising the elbows slightly.