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Symptoms & Signs Index |
| Fainting | |
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Definition: To lose consciousness because of a temporary decrease in the blood supply to the brain. |
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Medical terms related to
fainting : Blackout, Syncope, Lightheadedness, Passed out, Vasovagal faint |
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Common
causes of fainting: o Low Blood Pressure o Dehydration o Aortic Stenosis o Migraine Headache o Diabetes o Stroke o High altitude o Blood drawing o Urinating (micturition syncope) o Defecating (defecation syncope) o Swallowing (swallowing syncope) o Coughing (cough syncope) o Pulmonary Hypertension: High blood pressure in the arteries supplying the lungs. o Abnormal heart rhythms (heart beating too fast or too slow) o Medications can cause fainting by altering blood pressure o Postural (orthostatic) hypotension: Drop in blood pressure due to changing body position to a more vertical position after lying or sitting
Other Causes of
fainting: |
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Call 911
or go to the hospital if fainting
is accompanied by: o Felling from a height o Prolonged loss of consciousness o Pregnancy o Diabetes o Chest pain, pressure, or discomfort o pounding or irregular heartbeat o Loss of speech, visual disturbances, or inability to move o Convulsions, tongue trauma, or loss of bowel control |
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Diagnostic tests
that may be performed include: o ECG o Holter monitor o X-ray of the chest o Echocardiogram o EEG |
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Prevention and
self-care: Immediate treatment for someone who has fainted includes: o Checking the person's airway and breathing. o If necessary, call 911 and begin rescue breathing and CPR. o Loosening tight clothing around the neck. o Keeping the affected person lying down for at least 10 - 15 minutes o Elevating the feet above the level of the heart (about 12 inches) o If vomiting has occurred, turning the person onto one side to prevent choking |
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| Diagnosis of fainting, Reasons of fainting, Prevention of fainting, Definition of fainting, Treatments for fainting | |