Most of us either had an episode of syncope or know someone who experienced this disorder. The underlying causes of this disorder are numerous but, fortunately, in most cases this condition can be readily treated. It is not usually a sign of something serious, but if it happens regularly, you should see your doctor.
What is syncope?
Syncope (pronounced “sin ko pea”) is the medical term for fainting or passing out. It is caused by a temporary drop in the amount of blood that flows to the brain.
Syncope can happen if you have a sudden drop in blood pressure, a drop in heart rate, or changes in the amount of blood in areas of your body. If you pass out, you will likely become conscious and alert right away, but you may be feeling confused for a bit. Syncope is a common condition. It affects 3% of men and 3.5% of women at some point in life. Syncope is more common as you get older. The condition can occur at any age and happens in people with and without other medical problems.
Causes of syncope
There are many reasons why someone might have syncope. Many patients have a medical condition they may or may not know about, that affects the nervous system or heart. You may also have a condition that affects blood flow through your body and causes your blood pressure to drop when you change positions (for example, going from lying down to standing).
Causes include the following:
• standing up too quickly – this could be a sign of low blood pressure
• not eating or drinking enough
• being too hot
• being very upset, angry, or in severe pain
• heart problems
• taking drugs or drinking too much alcohol
What are some symptoms of syncope?
Symptoms will vary depending on the cause. In most cases syncope usually happens suddenly. Symptoms can include:
• dizziness
• cold skin and sweating
• slurred speech
• feeling sick
• changes to your vision
Many times, patients feel an episode of syncope coming on. They have what are called “premonitory symptoms” such as feeling lightheaded, nauseous, and heart palpitations (irregular heartbeats that feel like “fluttering” in the chest).
Things you can do to prevent syncope
Sometimes you might be aware that you are going to have an episode of syncope. If you feel like you are about to faint, try to:
• lie down with your legs raised – if you cannot do this then sit with your head lowered between your knees
• drink some water
• eat something
• take some deep breaths
If you see someone faint
If you are with someone who has fainted, try to keep calm.
If you can, lay the person down on his or her back and raise the legs.
Usually, the person who has fainted will wake up within 20 seconds.
You should seek urgent medical attention or call 911 if you see someone having a syncope attack and displaying the following:
• cannot be woken up after 1 minute
• severe hurt from a fall
• shaking or jerking because of a seizure or fit
Diagnosis
If you have syncope, you should see your doctor. If a diagnosis cannot be made, your doctor can refer you to a syncope specialist for a complete evaluation and further testing.
Treatment
Your treatment options will depend on what is causing your syncope, and the results of your evaluation and testing. The goal of treatment is to keep you from having episodes of syncope.
Treatment options include:
• Taking medications or making changes to medications you already take.
• Wearing support garments or compression stockings to improve blood circulation.
• Making changes to your diet. Your doctor may suggest that you eat small, frequent meals; eat more salt (sodium); drink more fluids; increase the amount of potassium in your diet; and avoid caffeine and alcohol.
• Being extra cautious when you stand up.
• Elevating the head of your bed while sleeping. You can do this by using extra pillows or by placing risers under the legs of the head of the bed.
• Avoiding or changing the situations or “triggers” that cause a syncope episode.
• Biofeedback training to control a fast heartbeat.
• Treatment for structural heart disease.
• Implanting a pacemaker to keep your heart rate regular (only needed for patients with certain medical conditions).
Your doctor and other members of your healthcare team will develop a treatment plan that is right for you, and talk to you about your treatment options.
Conclusion
Syncope is a clinical syndrome characterised by transient loss of consciousness and postural tone. Syncope is a common condition. With the proper diagnosis and treatment, syncope can be managed and controlled. If you experience syncope on several occasions, you should see your doctor for an evaluation.
Ask Your Doctor is a health education column and is not a substitute for medical advice from your physician. The reader should consult his or her physician for specific information concerning specific medical conditions. While all reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that all information presented is accurate, as research and development in the medical field is ongoing, it is possible that new findings may supersede some data presented.
Dr Brett Hodge is an Obstetrician/Gynaecologist and Family Doctor. Dr Hodge has a medical practice in The Johnson Building in The Valley (Tel: 264 4975828).
