Pass out
- Article
- 2021-03-09
Syncope is a medical term used to describe a temporary loss of consciousness due to the sudden decrease in blood flow to the brain. Syncope is commonly referred to as fainting or "fainting". If a person is about to pass out, he or she will feel dizzy, light-headed or nauseated and their field of vision may 'turn white' or 'darkened'. The skin can be cold and clammy. The person falls to the ground if he or she loses consciousness. After fainting, a person may be unconscious for a minute or two, but they will recover and slowly return to normal. Syncope can occur in otherwise healthy people and affects all age groups, but is more common in the elderly.
There are different types of syncope. Vasovagal syncope usually has an easily identifiable triggering event such as emotional stress, trauma, pain, seeing blood, or standing for a long time. Carotid sinus syncope occurs due to narrowing of the carotid artery in the neck and can occur after turning the head, while shaving, or when wearing a tight collar. Situational syncope occurs during urination, defecation, cough, or as a result of gastrointestinal stimulation. Syncope can also be a symptom of heart disease or abnormalities that cause an uneven heart rate or rhythm that temporarily affects blood volume and its distribution in the body. Syncope is not normally a primary sign of neurological disease, but it may indicate an increased risk of neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), diabetic neuropathy and other types of neuropathy. Certain classes of drugs are associated with an increased risk of syncope, including diuretics, calcium channel blockers, ACE inhibitors, nitrates, antipsychotics, antihistamines, levodopa, narcotics and alcohol.
Therapy
The immediate treatment for a person who has passed out involves first checking that their airway is open and that they are breathing. The person should lie down for at least 10-15 minutes, preferably in a cool and quiet area. If this is not possible, have the person sit forward and lower the head below the shoulders and between the knees. Ice or cold water in a cup is refreshing. For individuals who have problems with chronic fainting, therapy should focus on recognizing the triggers and learning techniques to avoid fainting. When warning signs such as dizziness, nausea, or cold and clammy skin appear, counter-pressure maneuvers that involve gripping the fingers in a fist, flexing the arms and crossing the legs or squeezing the thighs can occur. pass out.
Prognosis
Syncope is a dramatic event and can be life-threatening if not treated properly. Generally, however, people make a full recovery within minutes to hours. If syncope is symptomatic of an underlying condition, the prognosis will reflect the course of the condition.
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