Fainting
Fainting
Definition
Fainting is a generally brief and unexpected loss of consciousness from a lack of blood flow to the brain followed by the return to full wakefulness (Appendix A) . This loss of consciousness is accompanied by loss of muscle tone that can result in falling or slumping over.
Cause of fainting
There are so many causes of fainting, which makes identifying cause difficult at times. Some common causes are extreme emotional stress, too little food or drink resulting in low blood sugar or dehydration, normally low blood pressure, excessive physical activity, straining with a bowel movement then standing up quickly, or simply standing up too quickly. Medical causes may include Diabetes mellitus, arrhythmias, heart attack, stroke, severe injury, or conditions like narrowing of the aortic valve.
Types of fainting
Fainting is broken into several groups often defined by cause, and is often called “syncope.”
Vasovagal syncope- tends to occur when blood pressure or heart rate lower significantly. Some people tend to have vasovagal reactions to stress, as from seeing blood, getting hurt, or seeing someone else get hurt. This type of fainting, when vasovagal syndrome is known, is usually not dangerous.
Sinus syncope Pressure- externally on the nerves surrounding the carotid arteries can lead to carotid. Some people have very sensitive nerve endings around their carotid arteries, which may cause even a small amount of pressure to result in fainting.
Micturition syncope - in some cases, fainting can occur directly after using the bathroom. When the fainting occurs after someone urinates it is called micturition syncope. Other forms of fainting have been linked to excessive coughing, or even excessive laughing. In most of these cases, the blood pressure quickly and momentarily drops, causing loss of consciousness.
Treatment
Usually it is recommended that people lie on the floor with the feet elevated slightly. Usually people have some idea that
Definition
Fainting is a generally brief and unexpected loss of consciousness from a lack of blood flow to the brain followed by the return to full wakefulness (Appendix A) . This loss of consciousness is accompanied by loss of muscle tone that can result in falling or slumping over.
Cause of fainting
There are so many causes of fainting, which makes identifying cause difficult at times. Some common causes are extreme emotional stress, too little food or drink resulting in low blood sugar or dehydration, normally low blood pressure, excessive physical activity, straining with a bowel movement then standing up quickly, or simply standing up too quickly. Medical causes may include Diabetes mellitus, arrhythmias, heart attack, stroke, severe injury, or conditions like narrowing of the aortic valve.
Types of fainting
Fainting is broken into several groups often defined by cause, and is often called “syncope.”
Vasovagal syncope- tends to occur when blood pressure or heart rate lower significantly. Some people tend to have vasovagal reactions to stress, as from seeing blood, getting hurt, or seeing someone else get hurt. This type of fainting, when vasovagal syndrome is known, is usually not dangerous.
Sinus syncope Pressure- externally on the nerves surrounding the carotid arteries can lead to carotid. Some people have very sensitive nerve endings around their carotid arteries, which may cause even a small amount of pressure to result in fainting.
Micturition syncope - in some cases, fainting can occur directly after using the bathroom. When the fainting occurs after someone urinates it is called micturition syncope. Other forms of fainting have been linked to excessive coughing, or even excessive laughing. In most of these cases, the blood pressure quickly and momentarily drops, causing loss of consciousness.
Treatment
Usually it is recommended that people lie on the floor with the feet elevated slightly. Usually people have some idea that
References: Carson-DeWitt, Rosalyn MD. Fainting, published on November 2007, Retrieved on October 28, 2008 from http://www.health.gov.ab.ca/ Greenberg, David A., et al. Clinical Neurology. 2nd ed. Norwalk, CT: Appleton & Lange, 1993. Dr. D Kirsti, MD. Fainting From Exertion. Published on September 2004, Retrieved on October 28, 2008 from www.wellsphere.com Turkington A. Carol. Fainting Health Article. Published on September 2002, Retrieved on October 28, 2008 from www.healthline.com